Physical function decline and the risk of elder self-neglect in a community-dwelling population.
OBJECTIVE
This longitudinal study examines the association between physical function decline and the risk of elder self-neglect in a community-dwelling population.


METHODS
Of the 5,570 participants in the Chicago Health Aging Project, 1,068 were reported to social services agency for suspected elder self-neglect from 1993 to 2005. The primary predictor was objectively assessed physical function using decline in physical performance testing. Secondary predictors were assessed using the decline in self-reported Katz, Nagi, and Rosow-Breslau scales. Outcome of interest was elder self-neglect. Logistic and linear regression models were used to assess these associations.


RESULTS
After adjusting for confounding factors, every 1-point decline in physical performance testing was associated with increased risk of reported elder self-neglect (odds ratio [OR], 1.05, confidence interval [CI], 1.03-1.07, p < .001). Decline in Katz (OR, 1.05, CI, 1.00-1.10, p < .05) and decline in Rosow-Breslau (OR, 1.19, CI, 1.11-1.27, p < .001) were associated with increased risk of reported elder self-neglect. Decline in physical performance testing (standardized parameter estimate [PE]: 0.19, SE: 0.06, p = .002), Katz (PE: 0.65, SE: 0.14, p < .001), Nagi (PE: 0.48, SE: 0.14, p < .001), and Rosow-Breslau (PE: 0.57, SE: 0.21, p = .006) scales were associated with increased risk of greater self-neglect severity.


CONCLUSIONS
Decline in physical function was associated with increased risk of reported elder self-neglect and greater self-neglect severity in this community-dwelling population.
Dong
XinQi
X
Rush Institute for Health Aging, 1645 West Jackson, Suite 675, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. xinqi_dong@rush.edu
Simon
Melissa
M
Fulmer
Terry
T
Mendes de Leon
Carlos F
CF
Rajan
Bharat
B
Evans
Denis A
DA
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002641:Chicago; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D051346:Mobility Limitation; D012112:Residential Facilities; D012648:Self Care / Q000523:psychology*