World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0: psychometric properties and validation of the Ukrainian version in a sample of cadets of the Armed Forces

Abstract

Introduction: The health and functioning of the military are a priority in Ukraine. The WHODAS as the international tool for assessing the level of disability can be effectively used within the health care system in such a group of the population. The aim was to examine the psychometric properties of Ukrainian version of the WHODAS 2.0 in a sample of cadets. Material and methods: Military cadets responded to the Ukrainian 36-item version of the WHODAS and MOS SF-36 scales. The internal consistency, structure, and construct validity of the WHODAS were examined. Results: A homogeneous sample of military personnel’s was obtained in terms of age, living situations and level of physical activity. Internal consistency of the all WHODAS domain by Cronbach’s alpha was 0.951. Final model which consisted of six factors was identified by the results of exploratory factor analysis. Factors covered 66.413% of the total variance. Numerous negative moderate or high correlations were also found between almost all MOS SF-36 questionnaire scales and WHODAS domains (r = –0.553 – –0.513). Ten out of 14 a priori assumed hypotheses (71.4%) were confirmed, that indicated moderate construct validity of the WHODAS 2.0. Conclusions: The Ukrainian version of WHODAS 2.0 had a high internal consistency and sufficient construct valid ity. It shows as a valid instrument to assess the general level and main domains of functioning of specific categories of the population. The WHODAS can be a useful to obtain information about the limitations in functioning in Ukrainian speaking population for health and social policy services in different countries.