Abstract
The International Classification of Functioning has an impact on the way clinical information related to functioning are thought and worked on. The use of instruments such as WHODAS 2.0 allows the practical and routine incorporation of an instrument based on the ICF in the health care of people affected by leprosy. For clinical and research purposes, measurement instruments need to be validated based on their psychometric properties. This study aimed to validate the WHODAS 2.0 for use in people affected by leprosy. The instruments used were WHODAS 2.0 version of 36 questions, World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-bref) and Screening of Activity Limitation and Safety Awareness (SALSA). Data were also collected on disability grade and eye–hand–foot score. The psychometric properties evaluated were internal consistency, convergent and divergent construct and criterion validity. Cronbach’s α coefficient ranged from 0.76 to 0.91, revealing good internal consistency. The convergent validity showed a moderate correlation between the total score of WHODAS 2.0 and WHOQOL-bref (rho = −0.67; p < 0.05) and strong correlation between WHODAS 2.0 and SALSA (rho = 0.72; p < 0.05). For related domains, the correlation was moderate to strong. An exception was the weak correlation with the Interpersonal Relations domain. The divergent validity showed weak correlations. The criterion validity showed a significant result between WHODAS 2.0 and disability grade (p = 0.01). The correlation between WHODAS 2.0 and eye–hand–foot score showed a weak but significant correlation (rho = 0.23 p = 0.003). WHODAS 2.0 has valid and reliable psychometric characteristics for use in people affected by leprosy.
Highlights
Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, in which transmission occurs from an infected person, especially one with untreated multibacillary disease, through the upper respiratory tract, infecting people susceptible to the disease.[1]
Leprosy mainly affects the superficial nerves of the skin and peripheral nerve trunks, but it can affect the eyes and internal organs
Brazil stands out with India and Indonesia in the global picture of leprosy; together they are responsible for 79% of the global burden of the disease.[3]
Summary
Leprosy mainly affects the superficial nerves of the skin and peripheral nerve trunks, but it can affect the eyes and internal organs. If untreated, it may evolve into more severe forms. The evolution of the disease occurs slowly and progressively, and can lead to physical disabilities.[2]. Brazil stands out with India and Indonesia in the global picture of leprosy; together they are responsible for 79% of the global burden of the disease.[3] Between 2009 and 2018, 311,384 new leprosy cases were diagnosed in Brazil. 20,785 new leprosy cases were diagnosed with a degree of visible physical disabilities, all of which show Brazil to be highly endemic for the disease.[4]
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