Is greater self-neglect severity associated with lower levels of physical function?
OBJECTIVE
This study examined the association between severity of self-neglect and physical function in a population of community-dwelling older adults.


METHODS
Participants were older adults (N = 1,094) reported to the Chicago Department on Aging for suspected self-neglect from 1993 to 2005, who also participated in the Chicago Health Aging Project. The primary outcome of physical function was assessed using physical performance tests. Secondary outcomes were assessed using the Katz, Nagi, and Rosow-Breslau scales. Multiple regression models were used to assess these associations.


RESULTS
After adjusting for confounders, higher self-neglect severity scores were associated with lower physical performance testing (coefficient = -.062, p = .001). Greater self-neglect severity was also correlated with the reported number of impairments on the Katz, Nagi, and Rosow-Breslau scales (coefficients = .024, .024, and .016, respectively, p = .001).


CONCLUSIONS
Higher self-neglect severity is associated with lower levels of physical function among older adults.
Dong
XinQi
X
Rush Institute for Health Aging, Rush University Medical Center, 1645 West Jackson, Suite 675, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. xinqi_dong@rush.edu
Mendes de Leon
Carlos F
CF
Evans
Denis A
DA
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002641:Chicago; D004552:Elder Abuse; D005260:Female; D016330:Frail Elderly; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012648:Self Care; D012720:Severity of Illness Index