title: Construct validation of the Language Independent Functional Evaluation versus the Barthel Index in a Mongolian community.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Differences in language and literacy impede our understanding of the impact of disability around the world. Since function is primarily action, the computer-animated Language Independent Functional Evaluation (L.I.F.E.) might bypass the use of written or verbal scales. This study validates L.I.F.E. in a developing world population.
  
  
  METHODS
  Families were randomly chosen from the city centre, suburban 'ger' districts and countryside of Arvaikheer, Mongolia. The L.I.F.E. and cross-translated Mongolian Barthel Index were administered in random order. Demographics including subjective observation of disability were gathered. L.I.F.E. scores were converted to Barthel equivalents.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One hundred forty-four persons completed the test, 24 answered for other persons. Persons with observed disability had lower L.I.F.E. scores (64.55 vs. 94.53, p < 0.001). L.I.F.E. and Barthel scores related well. (Spearman's rho = 0.757, p < 0.001; for persons with observed disability Pearson r = 0.820, p < 0.001). Individual functions all had high interclass correlations (>0.75), except bowel and bladder, which had moderate correlations. Qualitative inquiry found the L.I.F.E. was preferred over the Barthel.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Using L.I.F.E., function can be measured without language or literacy. L.I.F.E. expands our ability to measure and compare the prevalence of disability and the impact of rehabilitation across regions perhaps leading to more rational allocation of resources.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The University of Michigan, 325 E. Eisenhower, Ann Arbor 48108, United States of America.
authors.forename: Jesse
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Loar
authors.forename: Andrew J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Haig
authors.forename: Karen S J
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Yamakawa
authors.forename: Avirmed
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Baljinnyam
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003196:Computer Graphics; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007803:Language Arts; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008986:Mongolia; D012424:Rural Population; D012923:Social Class; D014505:Urban Population; D014584:User-Computer Interface