The Validity and Reliability of Korean Version of Lawton IADL Index

Kim, S Y; Won, J W; Cho, K W

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The functional status of elderly has been measured by many measures including Lawton Instrumental activities of daily living index(IADL index). Lawton IADL index, has been widely used in many countries because of easiness to scoring and adminstration. So we translated Lawton IADL index and tested the translation validity, psychometric properties(validity and reliability) of Korean version of Lawton Lawton IADL index.
METHODS
The Lawton IADL index was translated by multidisciplinary committee members. The quality of translation was rated by committee members using three criteria(clarity, use of common language, conceptual equivalence). Reliability was tested by internal consistency(Cronbach' s alpha), two weeks test-retest reliability, intraobserver agreement. Clinical validity and construct validity comparison with brain disability grade were tested for validity testing.
RESULTS
In both sex, Cronbach's alpha was above 0.90. 2 weeks test-retest correlations coefficient in male and female were 0.90(p=0.00, 0.87(p=0.00) respectively. Interrator agreements were high in all 8 items(male 5 items)(kappa =0.75~1.00). Normal control group had lower scores than patients group in both sex(p=0.000). Correlation coefficients between Korean version of Lawton IADL index score and brain-disability grade in male and female were -0.67(p=0.00), -0.58(p=0.00) respectively.
CONCLUSION
Korean version of Lawton IADL index is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring functional status of elderly.