Functional dependence among elderly people in a rural community of Andhra Pradesh, South India

Abstract

Background: The elderly people constitute about 8% of the world’s population. Loss of functional capacity of an elderly person leads to dependence on others and increased need for formal and informal care. The objectives of this study were to find out the prevalence of functional dependence among the elderly people and its association with certain socio-demographic factors.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2013 to October 2014 in a rural area of Andhra Pradesh, South India. A Sample of 252 elderly individuals, aged 60 years and above were selected from the villages by probability sampling method and interviewed by using structured questionnaire. Activities of daily living (ADL) were assessed by Katz Index scale and Instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) were assessed by using Lawton Scale. Regression analysis was used to find the association between functional dependence and determinants.Results: The prevalence of functional dependence was found to be 21.8% for ADL and 57.1% for IADL. The highest percentage of dependence for ADL was related to urinary continence/evacuation (12.7%), followed by getting bath (7.5%). Regarding the IADL, the highest percentage of dependence was related to managing money (44.8%) followed by preparation of meals (32.5%). After adjusting independent variables, functional dependence was found to increase with increasing age, lower education and lower Socio-Economic status.Conclusions: More than half of the elderly were functionally dependent. National health programs for the elderly and voluntary organizations should take effort to identify and limit the progression of functional dependence and provide adequate care.