Instrumental Activities of Daily Living [IADL-8]

Scale Analysis and Purpose

The Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) Scale refers to activities that an individual typically performs under normal circumstances in everyday life. The scale was developed to directly assess executive functioning in daily tasks.

Question Calibration

The IADL Scale consists of 8 questions that evaluate the examinee’s ability to use the telephone, shop for essential goods, maintain cleanliness (home and laundry), manage transportation, correctly take medications, and handle financial transactions. However, for the purpose of assessing the individual’s functional capacity, only 4 out of the 8 questions were evaluated. Specifically, the assessed items involve the ability to use the telephone, manage transportation, take medications properly, and handle money. These questions were selected because men typically do not participate in domestic household care, and thus those items may not reflect their functional ability accurately.

Statistical Analysis

Upon completion of the questionnaire, a total score is calculated. If the total score equals 4, this indicates no functional impairment. If the total is greater than 4, it signals the presence of functional difficulties.

Reliability and Validity

The Instrumental Activities of Daily Living [IADL] Scale is considered a reliable and valid instrument for assessing an individual’s executive functioning in everyday life. Regarding reliability, the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient is approximately 0.93, indicating high internal consistency.

Bibliography

Mathuranath, P. S., George, A., Cherian, P. J., Mathew, R., & Sarma, P. S. (2005). Instrumental activities of daily living scale for dementia screening in elderly people. International Psychogeriatrics, 17(3), 461–474.

For development and analysis of research data based on this scale, or for further information, please contact the DatAnalysis team.

Tags: executive functioning, daily life, IADL