Reliability and Validity of the Brazilian Version of the Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument.

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the test-retest reliability, internal consistency, and construct validity of the Brazilian version of the Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument.

METHOD: A sample of 118 older adults provided data for testing construct validity and internal consistency, and 14 provided data for testing test-retest reliability. Factor analysis with varimax rotation was used to assess construct validity.

RESULTS

The Function component had excellent test-retest and total internal consistency reliability. Factor analysis revealed that the Upper Extremity Function and Advanced Lower Extremity Function domains were similar to the original analysis. The Disability component showed adequate to excellent test-retest reliability, except in the Management role; total internal consistency was excellent. Factor analysis revealed that its domains were similar to the original analysis, except for some items.

CONCLUSION

The Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument is recommended for assessment of Brazilian community-dwelling older adults who are functionally independent and who do not require mobility assistance.