Two valid and reliable work role functioning questionnaire short versions were developed: WRFQ 5 and WRFQ 10

Abstract

Objective: The study aims to develop and validate short versions of the work role functioning questionnaire v2.0 (WRFQ) that retain the measurement properties of the full-length 27-item questionnaire.

Study design and setting: Six cross-sectional Dutch samples (N = 2,433) were used, containing data on gender, self-rated health, job type, and WRFQ scores. Indicators from classical test theory and item response theory methods were used along with evaluation of translatability and conceptual considerations to identify short version candidate items. To ensure content validity, the item selection was made within the five-factor structure established for the WRFQ-leading to a 5-item and a 10-item short version. Bland-Altman analyses of agreement and interclass correlations with the full WRFQ were used to establish the best scoring procedure. Discriminant validity was evaluated for the short versions and compared with the full-length 27-item version.

Results: Both short versions showed acceptable agreement with the full-length 27-item version using simple scoring procedures. Both also showed comparable or stronger validity than the full WRFQ in known group comparisons.

Conclusion: Both short versions can be used to measure work role functioning in working samples with mixed clinical conditions and job types.

Keywords: Employee health; IRT; Lost productivity; Measurement; Validation; Work performance.