Measuring the Work Impact of Caregiving for Individuals With Schizophrenia and/or Schizoaffective Disorder With the Caregiver Work Limitations Questionnaire (WLQ)

作者：Lerner Debra^*; Benson Carmela; Chang Hong; Rogers William H; Adler David; Lyson Mercedes C; Parsons Susan K

来源：Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 2017, 59(10): 1007-1016.

DOI：10.1097/JOM.0000000000001113

Objective: The aim of this study was to test the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the Caregiver Work Limitations Questionnaire (WLQ) for employed caregivers of individuals with schizophrenia and/or schizoaffective disorder. Methods: A cross-sectional web-based survey with test/retest and responsiveness test components was administered to informal caregivers. Using data from employed caregivers, psychometric tests were performed of the questionnaire's four at-work limitation scales and work absence score. Results: Of 1142 eligible caregivers, 710 (62.2%) were employed. On the basis of the 4-week recall period, caregivers were limited in performing work tasks approximately between 20% and 30% of the time on average and absent a mean of 2 to 3 days. With few exceptions, the Caregiver WLQ demonstrated scale homogeneity, test/retest reliability, construct validity, and responsiveness to change. Conclusion: The Caregiver WLQ provides new information about the impact of caregiving on employment.

• 出版日期2017-10