Table 1 Format of questions as presented to the burn population (SF-36 questionnaire) and the general population (NHIS questionnaire)

Pain

How much bodily pain have you had during the past 4 weeks?

Thinking about the last time you had pain, how much pain did you have?

Pain impact on work

During the past 4 weeks, how much did pain interfere with your normal work (including both work outside the home and housework)?

Over the past three months, how often did your pain limit your life or work activities? Would you say never, some days, most days, or every day?

Anxiety

How much of the time during the past 4 weeks have you been very nervous?

During the past 30 days, how often did you feel nervous?

Depression (1)

How much of the time during the past 4 weeks have you felt so down in the dumps that nothing could cheer you up?

During the past 30 days, how often did you feel so sad that nothing could cheer you up?

Depression (2)

How much of the time during the past 4 weeks have you felt downhearted and depressed?

During the past 30 days, how often do you feel depressed?

Anxiety and depression impact on social life

During the past 4 weeks, how much of the time has your physical health or emotional problems interfered with your social activities (like visiting with friends, relatives, etc.)?

Because of a physical, mental, or emotional condition, do you have difficulty participating in social activities such as visiting friends, attending clubs and meetings, or going to parties?