Work Ability Index: Psychometric Testing in Aeronautical Industry Workers.

BACKGROUND: The Work Ability Index (WAI) is an instrument that measures work ability. The wide dispersion of the WAI internationally has led to its adaptation for use in different countries. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the WAI. METHODS: A method...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: González-Domínguez ME, Fernández-García E, Paloma-Castro O, González-López RM, Rivas Pérez MP, López-Molina L, García-Jiménez J, Romero-Sánchez JM
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2024
País:España
Institución:Fundación para el Fomento de la Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de la Comunitat Valenciana (FISABIO)
Repositorio:r-FISABIO. Repositorio Institucional de Producción Científica
OAI Identifier:oai:fisabio.fundanetsuite.com:p18095
Acceso en línea:https://fisabio.portalinvestigacion.com/publicaciones/18095
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Industry
Psychometrics
Reliability and validity
Spain
Work ability
Descripción
Sumario:BACKGROUND: The Work Ability Index (WAI) is an instrument that measures work ability. The wide dispersion of the WAI internationally has led to its adaptation for use in different countries. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the WAI. METHODS: A methodological design was used over an opportunistic sample of 233 workers in the aeronautical industry in Spain. Reliability was evaluated through internal consistency. Factorial validity, known groups, and convergent validity were tested. RESULTS: The Cronbach's alpha and item-total correlation indicated an adequate internal consistency. The confirmatory factor analysis, performed to evaluate the factorial validity, found adequate fit indices for a two-factor solution with a high correlation between the factors. Factor 1, "Subjectively estimated work ability and resources", was composed of 3 subscales and factor 2, "Ill-health-related", of 2 subscales. Subscales 4 and 6 had loading in both factors. Workers under 45 years of age obtained higher significant scores than older ones. Convergent validity was also evidenced since WAI was highly correlated with self-assessment of health status. CONCLUSIONS: The Spanish version of the WAI has shown evidence of reliability and validity in this study, supporting its use in individual and collective health surveillance by occupational health professionals. The factorial solution that was found has previously been reported in another international context. However, further research is needed to resolve the discrepancies detected in the role of some subscales between other national and international studies.