Evaluating the factor structure of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV) in adults with congenital heart disease.

Abstract

Objective: While it is generally assumed that common neurobehavioral assessments, such as the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV), function similarly in clinical and non-clinical populations, this has not been validated in adults with congenital heart disease (CHD). In this study, we examined the latent factor structure of the WAIS-IV in adults with d-transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA) who participated in the Boston Circulatory Arrest Study. Method: The WAIS-IV was administered as part of a larger assessment battery. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to fit one-, two-, and four-factor models of general cognitive ability, as well as a second order Full Scale IQ factor, as published in the WAIS-IV manual. Results: Eighty-seven adults with d-TGA were assessed. The four-factor model and second-order models both fit the data well, with all subtests loading significantly and in expected directions onto four latent factors (Verbal Comprehension, Perceptual Reasoning, Working Memory, Processing Speed), similar to the normative population. Conclusions: Among adults with d-TGA, the latent factor structure of the WAIS-IV is similar to the normative sample, suggesting that the WAIS-IV is an appropriate tool to use in adults with d-TGA and, potentially, in other CHD subgroups.