The extent to which common health-related quality of life indices capture constructs beyond symptoms and function.

Purpose: This study proposes to identify for 5 widely used generic HRQL and QOL measures the extent to which function and global feelings of well-being are represented in their content.

Methods: The 5 indices were the EQ-5D, the HUI, the SF-36, SF-12, and the WHOQOL-Bref. A total of 15 raters with a variety of health and research backgrounds mapped the items.