Personal Outcomes Scale for persons with intellectual disability in Denmark: A preliminary study on validity and reliability.

Abstract

Background: Quality-of-life assessments for persons with intellectual disability are crucial for enhancing support and services. However, culturally adapted instruments are scarce in many countries. This preliminary study explored the psychometric properties of the Personal Outcomes Scale in the Danish context, examining self-report and other-report measures.

Method: Data were collected from 102 persons with intellectual disability (59 men, 43 women; M_age = 35.55 ± 13.48 years) and 72 support workers. Internal consistency, inter-rater reliability, and known group validity were examined.

Results: The scale indicated adequate internal consistency overall (self-reports: α = .80; other-reports: α = .87), although domain-level patterns revealed cultural variations. Inter-rater reliability varied across domains and known groups validity analysis showed significant differences across disability levels and age groups.

Conclusion: This preliminary validation suggests welfare state structures influence QOL measurement, highlighting areas requiring cultural adaptation. Further validation is warranted.