Scale Analysis

In 1963, Katz and his colleagues developed the Katz Index of Activities of Daily Living (Katz ADL). This index targets elderly individuals residing in long-term care facilities.

Purpose

The Katz Index was initially designed to assess the functional status of dialysis patients in institutional settings. However, it was later adopted more broadly to evaluate the functional status of any patient living in such facilities.

Question Calibration

The functional status of elderly residents is assessed by physicians and nurses through six basic daily activities, measuring the extent to which they can care for themselves. These activities are arranged in order of increasing difficulty, and scoring depends on whether the individual relies on the facility staff for each aspect of daily care. A score of 6 indicates full functional independence, a score of 4 corresponds to moderate dysfunction, and a score of 2 or lower reflects significant functional impairment.

Statistical Analysis

The questions posed to elderly individuals reflect either cognitive or physical impairment. The key criterion in scoring the Katz Index is whether the patient can complete the activities in a clinical setting. If the patient is unable to perform a task, they are rated as dependent in that category—regardless of the reason. Thus, even individuals with sensory or neurological impairments are scored based on their current functional status.

Validity and Reliability

The Katz Index is considered to have high validity and reliability among elderly adult patients in both clinical and home settings. However, it is not ideally suited for assessing quality of life, as it lacks sensitivity to subtle changes during recovery or rehabilitation in older adults.

References

Katz, S., Ford, A. B., Moskowitz, R. W., Jackson, B. A., & Jaffe, M. W. (1963). Index of independence in activities of daily living (Katz Index of ADL): Studies of illness in the aged. The index of ADL: A standardized measure of biological and psychosocial function. JAMA, 185(12), 914–919.
Yfantopoulos, G., & Sarris, M. (2001). Health-related quality of life and social support in women with breast cancer: A literature review. Archives of Hellenic Medicine, 18(3), 218–229.

For assistance in developing and analyzing research data based on this scale, or for further information, please contact the DatAnalysis team.

Keywords Elderly individuals, Activities of Daily Living