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The Work Limitations Questionnaire's validity and reliability among patients with osteoarthritis
Debra Lerner1, John I Reed, Elena Massarotti
1The Health Institute, Division of Clinical Care Research, Department of Medicine, New England Medical Center, and The Tufts University School of Medicine and the Sackler School of Biomedical Sciences, Boston, MA 02111, USA. dlerner@lifespan.org
Journal of Clinical Epidemiology
|January 26, 2002
Summary
The Work Limitations Questionnaire (WLQ) accurately measures job performance impacts for osteoarthritis patients. This validated tool helps assess work disability and productivity loss in individuals with this condition.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Occupational Health
- Health Economics
Background:
- Osteoarthritis (OA) is a significant cause of work disability and productivity loss.
- The Work Limitations Questionnaire (WLQ) is a tool designed to assess health-related work limitations.
- Previous research supports the WLQ's validity and reliability in various populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the performance of the 25-item WLQ in employed patients with osteoarthritis (OA).
- To determine the WLQ's accuracy and reliability in assessing work-related impacts of OA.
Main Methods:
- A mail survey was administered to 230 employed OA patients and 37 healthy employed controls.
- Internal reliability and construct validity of the WLQ were assessed.
- The WLQ's ability to differentiate between OA patients and controls was examined.
Main Results:
- The WLQ demonstrated strong internal reliability, meeting all established criteria.
- The questionnaire accurately identified differences between OA patients and healthy controls.
- WLQ scores correlated significantly with arthritis pain, stiffness, functional limitations, and self-reported work productivity.
Conclusions:
- The 25-item WLQ is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing the impact of osteoarthritis on work.
- The WLQ can be effectively used to measure work limitations in OA patients, aiding in understanding work disability and productivity loss.