Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Public Health and Surveillance
Date Submitted: Oct 18, 2022
Date Accepted: Jun 21, 2023
A multidimensional assessment of activities of daily living, mental status, social and communication abilities in elderly in Shenzhen city, China: a cross-sectional study
ABSTRACT
Background:
China is facing a rapidly expanding ageing population. Understanding the health of the elderly is of great significance to the allocation of limited health resources and pension services required to secure a healthy elderly life.
Objective:
To provide a comprehensive understanding of elderly health status, we investigated the level of disability and identified risk factors associated with disability among elderly (aged≥60yr) living in China.
Methods:
A total of 8467 elderly in the Chinese city of Shenzhen were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. We used a multidimensional ability assessment survey which assessed their activities of daily living (ADL), mental status, sensory and communication, and social participation. The impact of demographic risk factors was analysed using multivariable logistic regression.
Results:
A total of 7766 participants were effectively assessed. Participants' average age was 70.64±8.46 years, with 56.53% of females. Among them, 27.57% of participants' overall ability level was mildly impaired, 2.83% moderately impaired, and 4.28% severely impaired. With increasing age, the proportion of impaired participants increased from 17.62% in the age group 60-64 years to 91.3% in the age group above 90 years (P<.05). The odds of impairment in the overall ability was higher in females than males (OR=1.20, 95% CI [1.07–1.34]). Participants with a college degree or above demonstrated significantly lower odds of ability impairment (OR=0.26, 0.19–0.36) than illiterate or semi-illiterate participants. Participants divorced or widowed were at higher odds of ability impairment (OR=1.91, 1.60–2.29) than those currently married. Participants living with children were at lower odds of ability impairment (OR=0.65, 0.49–0.85) than those living alone. A low score for ADL was significantly correlated with poorer mental status, sensory and communication, and social participation (all P<.05).
Conclusions:
The proportion of disability among Chinese elderly increases with age, being female, having lower education levels, being divorced or widowed and living alone. Impairment in ADL ability is significantly correlated with poor mental status, social participation, and sensory and communication. A holistic approach to improving the elderly's health is recommended in China.
Citation
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Copyright
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