Health status and family functioning in elderly outpatients with chronic diseases in Gushan town Fuzhou city / 中华健康管理学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the relation of physical,mental,and social health status with family functioning in elderlv outpatients with chronic diseases to provide theoretic guidance for their community-based health care.Methods Cluster sampling methods were used to assess 568 elderly patients with at least one chronic disease at Gushan Town of Fuzhou City by Activity of Daily Living Scale(ADL),Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale(CES-D),self made daily social activity questionnaire,and family APGAR index questionnaire.Results The daily activity dependence rate was 23.8%.The prevalence of depression symptoms was 22.9%.Those with normal functions.and modest or severe dysfunction accounted for 56.9%,36.4%,and 6.7%,respectively.The daily activity dependence rate,the prevalence of depression symptoms,and daily social activity were found to be significantly associated with family functioning (P<0.05).Conclusion The health situations of elderly outpatients with chronic diseases may be correlated with family functioning.The community health care providers should concern both individuals and households to improve overall physical and memal health.