Related Factors of Physical Function in a Rural Aged People

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUNDS: To investigate the physical functioning state of the rural aged people and its related factors. METHODS: 458 older people aged 65 years or older living in a rural area were interviewed fromAug. 6 to Aug. 9, 2003. Socioeconomic characteristics, structural and functional social supports, chronic disease, stress, and obesity(using body mass index) were included to explore their influencing physical functioning. Physical functioning was measured by Physical Functioning(PF) scale constructed by 2-factor(mobility and self-care). Cronbach's alpha of social support and PF scales were 0.91, 0.89 respectively. After univariate analysis, multiple regression analysis was conducted to identify major contributing factors to physical functioning. RESULTS: 1) Person of younger age, higher education level, having job, higher economic status were more likely to show a higher degree of physical functioning in both male and female. 2) In those who having spouse, the physical functioning scores were significantly higher. And the aged people with high social support got higher physical functioning score. 3) In male with diabetes, physical functioning score were significantly lower. In female with arthritis, physical functioning score were significantly lower. 4) For the aged people which having higher stress, the physical function wasn't good. 5) In multiple regression analysis, for both male and female, physical functioning of those who have no job, lower social support, higher stress was bad. In male with chronic disease and female with arthritis, the physical functional score was lower. CONCLUSION: The physical functioning of some rural aged people were affected by various factors such as social, psychological, economic and physical factors. So diverse policy and programwill be necessary for improve physical functioning of rural older people.