Psychometric properties of the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule in people with multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) 12-item version is a generic self-report instrument measuring perceived individual functioning and disability. Studies suggest that the WHODAS 2.0 12-item version may exhibit a varying factor structure and psychometric properties depending upon the disability group studied. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine the measurement structure and psychometric properties of the WHODAS 2.0 12-item version in a community sample of individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS: Participants included 256 individuals with MS. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and concurrent validity analysis were used to psychometrically validate the measure. RESULTS: Results of the EFA suggest that the WHODAS 2.0 12-item version exhibits a two-factor structure in persons with MS (self-care functioning and social and cognitive functioning). These results were confirmed with the CFA (with modifications). Concurrent validity analysis revealed that the factors were significantly associated with relevant psychosocial variables in the expected directions. CONCLUSIONS: The WHODAS 2.0 12-item version may provide valuable information for vocational rehabilitation counselors to better support people with MS as they work toward their psychosocial and employment goals.