Measuring the Work Impact of Caregiving for Individuals With Schizophrenia and/or Schizoaffective Disorder With the Caregiver Work Limitations Questionnaire (WLQ).

Abstract

The aim of this study was to test the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the Caregiver Work Limitations Questionnaire (WLQ) for employed caregivers of individuals with schizophrenia and/or schizoaffective disorder. A cross-sectional web-based survey with test/retest and responsiveness test components was administered to informal caregivers. Using data from employed caregivers, psychometric tests were performed of the questionnaire's four at-work limitation scales and work absence score. Of 1142 eligible caregivers, 710 (62.2%) were employed. On the basis of the 4-week recall period, caregivers were limited in performing work tasks approximately between 20% and 30% of the time on average and absent a mean of 2 to 3 days. With few exceptions, the Caregiver WLQ demonstrated scale homogeneity, test/retest reliability, construct validity, and responsiveness to change. The Caregiver WLQ provides new information about the impact of caregiving on employment.