Psychology RootsOECD Long-Term Disability Questionnaire
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About OECD Long-Term Disability Questionnaire
Scale Name
OECD Long-Term Disability Questionnaire
Author Details
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), led by John R. McWhinnie (1981)
Translation Availability
English
Background/Description
The OECD Long-Term Disability Questionnaire, developed in 1981 by the OECD under the Social Indicators Programme, is a 16-item interviewer-administered or self-administered survey designed to measure the impact of long-term disability on essential daily activities in adults. Published in Revue Épidémiologie et Santé Publique (1981), it facilitates international comparisons of disability prevalence and monitors changes over time. Based on the impairment-disability-handicap triad, it focuses on limitations in mobility (e.g., walking, stairs), self-care (e.g., dressing, bathing), and communication (e.g., hearing, speaking), emphasizing disruption of normal social activity. It targets long-term restrictions (e.g., from chronic conditions or congenital anomalies) rather than temporary impairments, asking respondents what they can “usually do on a normal day.”
The core 10-item version (Exhibit 3.14) is used for international comparisons, covering key ADLs and communication tasks. Items use a 4-point response scale: “Yes, without difficulty” (1), “Yes, with minor difficulty” (2), “Yes, with major difficulty” (3), “No, not able to” (4), though some trials merged categories 2 and 3 into “Yes, with difficulty.” Scoring is item-specific, with no single total score to preserve detailed functional profiles. The questionnaire was validated with samples across eight countries (e.g., 2,000 in Finland, 1,600 in Switzerland, mean age ≈ 35–74 years, mixed gender), showing low disability prevalence in younger groups. It correlates with physician mobility ratings (r ≈ 0.21–0.61) and is used in public health, rehabilitation, and epidemiology to assess disability and inform service planning. Access requires permission from OECD or Revue Épidémiologie et Santé Publique.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain the questionnaire from McWhinnie (1981) or OECD archives, ensuring ethical permissions.
- Explain to participants (adults 18+) that the survey assesses long-term functional limitations, emphasizing confidentiality and voluntary participation.
- Administer the 16-item (or 10-item core) questionnaire in community, clinical, or epidemiological settings via interview or self-administration, asking about usual performance in daily activities.
- Estimated completion time is 10–15 minutes.
- Ensure a private, supportive environment; provide health or disability resources (e.g., support services) and adapt for accessibility (e.g., oral administration for low literacy) if needed.
Reliability and Validity
The OECD Questionnaire has mixed reliability but acceptable validity (McWhinnie, 1981; Wilson & McNeil, 1981). Test-retest reliability over two weeks (N = 223, U.S.) showed low agreement (30–70% per item, <66% for overall disability reporting), unaffected by proxy respondents. A Dutch study (N = 1,440) found 3.1% higher disability reporting in self-administered versus interview formats. Internal consistency is not reported but inferred as moderate (Cronbach’s alpha ≈ 0.65–0.75) based on similar scales.
Convergent validity is supported by correlations with physician mobility ratings (r = 0.21–0.61, N = 104, Canada) and item-total correlations (r = 0.14–0.54). Sensitivity ranges from 61–85% (highest for vision/hearing/speech issues) and specificity is 76% (N = 1,600, Switzerland). The questionnaire distinguishes low disability prevalence in younger populations. Pairing with the Barthel Index or Functional Limitations Profile enhances comprehensive assessment.
Available Versions
16-Items
Reference
McWHINNIE, J. R. (1981). Disability assessment in population surveys: results of the OECD Common Development Effort. Revue d’épidémiologie et de santé publique, 29(4), 413-419.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the OECD Long-Term Disability Questionnaire measure?
It measures long-term limitations in mobility, self-care, and communication for disability prevalence.
Who is the target population?
Adults (18+) in community or clinical settings for epidemiological surveys.
How long does it take to administer?
Approximately 10–15 minutes.
Can it inform interventions?
Yes, it estimates disability prevalence to guide health and social service planning.
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