Health status and disability among elderly people in three UK districts.
OBJECTIVE
To obtain population data on health status and disability of elderly people which may help in planning and maintaining services and be used as comparators for research.


METHODS
Random samples of people aged 70 and over were interviewed in their own homes in West Glamorgan, Dudley and North Staffordshire. The interviews included standardized assessments of health status (SF-36), disability (Barthel index) and cognitive function (Abbreviated Mental Test).


RESULTS
1608 interviews were completed. Response rates varied between 66 and 84%. Age and sex adjusted scores for five of the eight parameters of the SF-36 and the Barthel score differed significantly between districts.


CONCLUSIONS
Local studies are required to provide appropriate normative data for each area. In the absence of such studies, the data in this paper are the best currently available.
Lyons
R A
RA
Department of Public Health Medicine, Iechyd Morgannwg Health, Swansea, UK.
Crome
P
P
Monaghan
S
S
Killalea
D
D
Daley
J A
JA
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000145:classification; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D016330:Frail Elderly / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006287:Health Planning Guidelines; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008609:Mental Status Schedule; D006113:United Kingdom