The factor structure of the disability rating scale in individuals with traumatic brain injury
Publications
Model System:
TBI
Reference Type:
Journal article
Accession No.:
J79358
Journal:
Disability and Rehabilitation
Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):
, , ,
Publication Website:
Abstract:
Study examined the factor structure of the Disability Rating Scale (DRS) and the predictive validity of the scale’s factors among individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI). The DRS is a measure used in brain injury rehabilitation that generates a total score indicating level of disability. Five hundred eight individuals with moderate-to-severe TBI were administered the DRS and were randomly divided into two groups. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted on Group 1, and a confirmatory factor analysis on Group 2. Regressions were performed to determine the predictive ability of the factors. The exploratory factor analysis generated a three-factor structure, explaining 82.1 percent of the variance. Factor 1, comprising three disability items (feeding, toileting, and grooming), accounted for 58.4 percent of the variance. Factor 2, comprising three impairment items (eye opening, communication ability, and motor response), accounted for 14.8 percent of the variance. Factor 3, comprising two handicap items (level of functioning and employability), accounted for 8.9 percent of the variance. The three-factor solution was confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis. Regressions revealed the impairment factor at admission and the disability factor at discharge accounted for unique variance in predicting functional outcomes at one year post injury. The results suggest that each factor of the DRS may independently serve as a clinically useful outcome predictor after TBI.
