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Test-retest reliability of the Work Ability Index questionnaire
B C H de Zwart1, M H W Frings-Dresen, J C van Duivenbooden
1Coronel Institute for Occupational and Environmental Health, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Occupational Medicine (Oxford, England)
|July 2, 2002
Summary
The Work Ability Index (WAI) questionnaire shows acceptable test-retest reliability for classifying work ability in older construction workers. This indicates the WAI is a stable measure over time for occupational health research.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Psychometrics
- Gerontology
Background:
- The Work Ability Index (WAI) is a widely used tool to assess an individual's capacity to work.
- Assessing the reliability of measurement tools is crucial for their valid application in research and practice.
- Older workers represent a growing demographic in many industries, necessitating tools to monitor their work ability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the test-retest reliability of the Work Ability Index (WAI) questionnaire.
- To determine the stability of WAI scores and classifications over a four-week period.
- To assess the WAI's suitability for use in occupational health research and clinical settings.
Main Methods:
- A test-retest reliability study design was employed.
- Data were collected from 97 construction workers aged 40 years and older.
- Statistical analyses included examining individual score agreement and classification consistency over a 4-week interval.
Main Results:
- 25% of participants had identical WAI scores at both measurements.
- 95% of individual differences between measurements were less than 6.86 points.
- 66% agreement was observed in the classification of work ability categories between test and retest.
Conclusions:
- The WAI questionnaire demonstrates acceptable test-retest reliability for classifying work ability.
- The WAI is a stable measure at the group level over a 4-week interval.
- Findings support the use of the WAI in occupational health research and practice for older workers.