Assessing cognitive-related disability in schizophrenia: Reliability, validity and underlying factors of the evaluation of cognitive processes involved in disability in schizophrenia scale.

PURPOSE

We have developed a new scale that assesses disability caused by cognitive impairments in schizophrenia, in order to evaluate the functional impact of schizophrenia and help the prescription of rehabilitation interventions. The aim of the study was to assess its psychometrical properties.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mental healthcare professionals and relatives of individuals with schizophrenia developed and rated the evaluation of cognitive processes involved in disability in schizophrenia scale, which included 13 items. Its construct validity was assessed through a factorial analysis; its concurrent validity was evaluated based on ecological outcomes, its convergent validity was tested against the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS II), and its reliability was estimated based on internal consistency and inter-rater reliability.

RESULTS

Overall, 215 patients were included. Our findings supported a two-factor structure which accounted for 46% of the variance. The internal consistency and inter-rater reliability were good. The convergent validity showed a strong correlation with the WHODAS II. The concurrent validity showed strong relationships with work status, independent living, level and adequacy of institutional care.

CONCLUSIONS

The good psychometric properties of the scale suggest a role for this tool in assessing schizophrenia-related disability and evaluating the need for cognitive remediation. Implication for Rehabilitation Schizophrenia is a chronic disorder leading to a severe psychiatric handicap. The scale showed good psychometric properties in individuals with schizophrenia and severe psychiatric disability. The scale is easy and quick to administer (about 15 min). The scale may help to identify targets for rehabilitation interventions in individuals with schizophrenia.