The World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule II (WHODAS II) assesses day to day functioning in six activity domains. Results provide a profile of functioning across the domains, as well as an overall disability score.
When to Use this Test
Results of the WHODAS II can be used to help:
WHODAS II Quick Facts
| Publisher | World Health Organization |
| Date of Publication | Under development – expected 2001 general release |
| Appropriate Ages | Adults aged 18 and over |
| Norm Groups | This instrument is cross-culturally developed, and applicable across the spectrum of cultural and educational backgrounds. |
| Minimum Reading Level | Literacy is not necessary for completion of this instrument. Written and verbal prompts are provided to respondents to aid memory for key information. Proxy versions also are available. |
| Administration Time | 12-item versions: 5 minutes 36-item versions: 20 minutes |
History of the WHODAS II
The WHO Psychiatric Disability Schedule (WHODAS) with a Guide to its Use was initially published by WHO in 1988 to provide a simple tool for assessing disturbances in social adjustment and behaviour in patients with a mental disorder. The current version (WHODAS II) represents a complete revision, reflective of WHO's current thinking about functioning and disability.
Psychometric testing of the WHODAS II has been rigorous and extensive. In 1998, an earlier
draft (89 items) was tested in field trials in 21 sites and 19 countries. Based on
psychometric analyses and further field testing in early 1999, the measure was shortened
to 36 items, and a 12-item screening questionnaire was also developed. In late 1999, The
WHODAS II underwent reliability and validity testing in 16 centres across 14 countries.
Health services research studies (to test sensitivity to change and predictive validity)
are being conducted in centres throughout the world during the year 2000.