Disability among the elderly of Taiwan.
A cross-sectional study on the correlates of elderly disability was conducted in Taiwan. A total of 400 subjects was randomly selected according to Barthel Index scores from among 2600 subjects, which was a sample of a previous community-based health survey of elderly aged 65 or over. After comprehensive interviews and examinations of the subjects, disability dimensions and its correlates were identified. Results showed elderly with lower Mini-Mental State Examination scores and chronic diseases (such as stroke, pressure sores, hypertension, fracture, etc.) were more physical-functionally and socially disabled. This suggests that prevention and treatment of chronic diseases should be pursued further and that further assessment of cognitive-mental status in the elderly is warranted. In addition, males were more disabled than females in a physical-functional aspect, which may be the consequence of the traditional Chinese cultural effect.
Hsieh
R L
RL
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.
Lein
I N
IN
Lee
W C
WC
Lee
T K
TK
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000145:classification / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007361:Intelligence Tests; D008297:Male; D011897:Random Allocation; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013624:Taiwan