Using the Work Limitations Questionnaire in Patients With A Chronic Condition in the Netherlands

Objective: To examine the intelligibility and psychometric properties of the modified Dutch language version of the Work Limitations Questionnaire (WLQ) (WLQ-mdlv). Methods: Employed patients with a physical chronic condition completed the WLQ-mdlv, the Work Ability Index, and the 36-item short form health survey. Intelligibility, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and external construct validity of the WLQ-mdlv were assessed. Results: In 125 patients, the WLQ-mdlv showed improved intelligibility for a Dutch population. With Cronbach alpha coefficients more than .80, squared weighted kappa of 0.63 or more (individual items), intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.83 or more (WLQ scales), a minimal detectable change of four points (WLQ index), and negative correlations with the Work Ability Index and related 36-item short form health survey scales reliability and external construct validity of the WLQ-mdlv were confirmed. Conclusion: The WLQ-mdlv is an intelligible, reliable, and valid instrument for evaluating work limitations in employees with a chronic condition in the Netherlands.