title: Walking devices used by the elderly living in rural areas of Thailand.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The use of all types of external devices was previously investigated for elderly with and without orthopaedic problems of a developed country. This study describes the proportion, types and the reasons of using a walking device in elderly who live in many rural areas of Thailand.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants (n = 390) were interviewed using a questionnaire to ascertain their demographics, health status and types of walking device required for daily activities.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Forty-one participants (11%) used a walking device, particularly when walking long distances due to a fear of falling, musculoskeletal pain, and impaired walking ability. The proportion of walking devices used dramatically increased in participants aged 75 years and over (six times of those aged 60-74 years). Most of the participants used a modified walking stick by their own determination (81%), while only 7% used one according to medical prescription. A significant increase in the need of a walking device was seen in participants aged 75 years and over (OR = 13.9; 95% CI 5.9-32.7; P < 0.001), with a medical problem (OR = 45.9; 95% CI 6.7-73.4; P < 0.001) and who required regular medication (OR = 12.7; 95% CI 5.0-33.6; P = 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings emphasise the importance of a community health service to promote health status, particularly before 75 years of age.
authors.affiliation: School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 123 Moo 16 Mittraphap Rd Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand ; Improvement of Physical Performance and Quality of Life (IPQ) research group, Khon Kaen University, 123 Moo 16 Mittraphap Rd Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand.
authors.forename: Suwannarat
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Patcharawan
authors.affiliation: School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 123 Moo 16 Mittraphap Rd Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand ; Improvement of Physical Performance and Quality of Life (IPQ) research group, Khon Kaen University, 123 Moo 16 Mittraphap Rd Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand.
authors.forename: Thiwabhorn
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Thaweewannakij
authors.affiliation: Improvement of Physical Performance and Quality of Life (IPQ) research group, Khon Kaen University, 123 Moo 16 Mittraphap Rd Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand ; Thai Red Cross Rehabilitation Center, 199 Taiban, Muang, Samut Prakan, 10280, Thailand.
authors.forename: Supapon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kaewsanmung
authors.affiliation: School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 123 Moo 16 Mittraphap Rd Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand ; Improvement of Physical Performance and Quality of Life (IPQ) research group, Khon Kaen University, 123 Moo 16 Mittraphap Rd Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand.
authors.forename: Chonticha
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Kaewjoho
authors.affiliation: Improvement of Physical Performance and Quality of Life (IPQ) research group, Khon Kaen University, 123 Moo 16 Mittraphap Rd Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand ; Faculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen University, 123 Moo 16 Mittraphap Rd. Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand.
authors.forename: Jiamjit
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Saengsuwan
authors.affiliation: School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 123 Moo 16 Mittraphap Rd Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand ; Improvement of Physical Performance and Quality of Life (IPQ) research group, Khon Kaen University, 123 Moo 16 Mittraphap Rd Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand.
authors.forename: Sugalya
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Amatachaya
keywords: cane; health promotion; older adult; rehabilitation; walker