Psychometric validation of the world health organization disability assessment schedule in a sample of community dwelling adults with chronic health conditions and disabilities

Chronic health conditions and disabilities interfere with major life activities, and these interferences are the result of complex interactions between health condition factors, psychological factors, personal factors, and socioenvironmental factors. The World Health Organization (WHO) International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) framework is a biopsychosocial model that conceptualizes the experience of disability with attention to these interactions. The World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) is an assessment tool developed to measure self-reported activity limitations and restrictions to participation experienced by individuals with disabilities independent of his or her medical diagnosis. In order to allow practitioners to effectively use this tool with individuals with various chronic illnesses and disabilities, the current study aimed to evaluate the measurement structure and psychometric properties of the WHODAS 2.0. A total of 945 adults with disabilities participated in the current study. Results support two-factor structure of this measurement tool with adequate reliability and construct validity. The WHODAS 2.0 is a valid, useful tool for rehabilitation counseling professionals to more effectively support adults with chronic health conditions and disabilities in achieving their psychosocial and employment success. Copyright © 2021 National Rehabilitation Counseling Association.