Psychometric validation of the Turkish worker role interview in workers with chronic low back pain

Abstract

Background

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a leading cause of disability in Türkiye, yet culturally adapted tools for evaluating psychosocial and environmental barriers to work participation remain limited.

Objective

To cross-culturally adapt and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Worker Role Interview (WRI-TR) in employed individuals with chronic low back pain.

Methods

Following World Health Organization guidelines, the WRI was adapted into Turkish. Eighty-two employed individuals with CLBP completed the WRI-TR. Psychometric properties were evaluated using Classical Test Theory, including Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega coefficients, and the Rasch measurement model to assess internal consistency, model fit, and item-person targeting.

Results

The WRI-TR demonstrated good internal consistency, with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.79 and a McDonald's omega of 0.80. Rasch analysis supported the Partial Credit Model as the best-fitting model and yielded a person separation reliability index of 0.78, indicating adequate discrimination among participants. Items related to roles and habits were relatively easier to endorse, whereas items concerning personal interests and environmental factors were more challenging.

Conclusions

The WRI-TR is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing work-related psychosocial factors among Turkish workers with chronic low back pain. The instrument may support clinicians in identifying barriers to work participation and planning client-centered vocational rehabilitation interventions.