Normative data for the 12 item WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0

Area of Science:

• Psychometrics
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0) is a comprehensive tool for assessing disability across various health conditions.
• It evaluates limitations stemming from physical illnesses, injuries, mental health issues, and substance use disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the factor structure of the 12-item WHODAS 2.0 within the Australian population.
• To establish normative data, including means and standard deviations, for WHODAS 2.0 scores.
• To provide benchmarks for individuals with physical disorders, mental disorders, and those without reported health conditions.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the 12-item WHODAS 2.0 in the second Australian Survey of Mental Health and Well-being.
• Conducted factor analysis to determine the scale's underlying structure.
• Calculated and reported normative data stratified by health status (physical disorder, mental disorder, no disorder).

Main Results:

• A single, second-order factor confirmed the WHODAS 2.0's utility as a global disability measure.
• Individuals with mental disorders exhibited the highest average scores (Mean=6.3, SD=7.1).
• Individuals with physical disorders reported lower scores (Mean=4.3, SD=6.1), while those without disorders had the lowest (Mean=1.4, SD=3.6).

Conclusions:

• The study validates the 12-item WHODAS 2.0's factor structure for measuring overall disability.
• The generated normative data from a large adult population sample is crucial.
• This data will enhance the practical application of the WHODAS 2.0 in clinical settings and epidemiological research.