Introduction: The ability to perform daily living activities among the elderly is
important, as physical disability may lead to dependency and various public
health implications. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of instrumental
activities of daily living (IADL) disability and its association with socio-demographic
characteristics, dietary intake, social participation, perceived-health-status and risk
of falls. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among communitybased elderly in the Gombak District of Selangor. 258 respondents aged 60-88
years old (mean age 66±6.5 years) were recruited through multi-stage proportional
sampling. Most of the respondents (88.4%) aged 60-74 years and 11.6% were ≥75
years. IADL disability was determined using an eight-item IADL scale. The presence
of IADL disability was defined as needing help in at least one or more of eight-IADL
activities. Dietary intake and fall risk were assessed using diet history questionnaire
(DHQ) and 21-item fall risk index (FRI-21), respectively. Results: The prevalence
of IADL disability among the respondents was 58.1%. A binary logistic regression
analyses showed that the following factors predicted IADL disability: advanced age
(≥75 years, OR=6.4; 95% CI: 1.3, 30.8), being unmarried (OR=2.5; 95% CI: 1.1, 5.9),
unemployed/retired (OR=2.3; 95% CI: 1.2, 4.3), and at risk of falls (OR=2.5; 95%
CI: 1.3, 6.1). Conclusion: Predictors such as marriage and employment highlight
the importance of social support among elderly. In practical terms, this means that it
is incumbent upon caregivers, family members, and the community to provide both
physical and emotional support if the functional status of the elderly is to be improved.