Reliability and validity of the Bengali version of WHODAS 2.0 in individuals with spinal cord injury.

PURPOSE: To assesses the reliability and validity of the Bengali version of the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0, 36-item) for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI).

METHODS

A total of 144 participants (81% men) completed the WHODAS 2.0, the Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM), and the SF-36 Health Survey, alongside socio-demographic and injury-related data. A sub-sample of 62 was reassessed after 8-10 days. Reliability was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC). Validity was examined through internal structure, convergent validity (via correlations with SCIM and SF-36), discriminant validity (by comparing groups with tetraplegia and paraplegia), and Rasch analysis.

RESULTS

Internal consistency ranged from questionable (α = 0.69 for getting around) to excellent (α = 0.92 for life activities). Test-retest reliability ranged from moderate (ICC = 0.58 for cognition) to excellent (ICC = 0.92 for self-care). Significant correlations with SCIM and SF-36 supported convergent validity, while group differences based on neurological level supported discriminant validity. All items in the Cognition domain failed to fit the Rasch model.

CONCLUSION

The Bengali WHODAS 2.0 demonstrates acceptable reliability and validity for individuals with SCI, supporting its clinical use in resource-limited settings. Further validation in larger samples is recommended, particularly for the Cognition domain.