Affiliations: [a] MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands | [b] TNO, Leiden, The Netherlands | [c] Academic Center Dentistry Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: C.G.M. Groothuis-Oudshoorn, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands. Tel.: +31 53 4895397; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: Background:The London Handicap Scale (LHS) was found to be a valid and reliable scale for measuring participation restrictions in adults. Objective:This paper describes the development and assesses the construct-related validity of a Dutch version of the London Handicap Scale (DLHS). Methods:The DLHS was tested in 798 adults (mean age: 50.7 years, SD = 14.5, range 16 to 85) and validated with the ‘Impact on Participation and Autonomy’ (IPA) questionnaire, the Dutch version of the EQ-5D and questions concerning comorbidity and use of medical devices. The study population consisted of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), epilepsy, laryngectomy and multiple sclerosis. Results:Feasibility was satisfactory. Large correlations (ρ>0.6) for the DLHS sum score were found with the IPA subscales ‘autonomy outdoors’, ‘perceiving problems’, ‘family role’, autonomy indoors’, ‘work and education’ and with the EQ-5D. The DLHS sum score differs significantly between subgroups based on the number of chronic diseases, number of medical devices and self-reported burden of disease or handicap (p<0.001). Conclusions:Based on this evaluation the questionnaire seems feasible and valid for assessing differences in level of participation between subgroups of chronically ill or disabled persons in the Netherlands.
Keywords: Disability, London handicap scale, Dutch, quality of life, construct-related validity
