A Study on Activities of Daily Living and Perceived Health Status of Disabled Persons at Home in Rural Areas

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study was attempted to provide basic data required to develop community-base rehabilitation program for disabled persons at home by investigating their characteristics, ADL, and perceived health status. METHOD: The subjects were 146 disabled persons at home in rural areas. Data were collected from January 22 to January 31, 2004. Data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations, minimums, maximums, chi2-test, Fisher's exact test, t-test, one-way ANOVA, Scheffe test, Contingency coefficient, Pearson's correlation, Stepwise multiple regression. RESULTS: The average score of ADL was 5.51+/-1.92 sphincter control (5.85+/-2.10), communication (5.66+/-2.02), transfers (5.67+/-2.21), self care (5.44+/-2.05), social cognition (5.33+/-2.08), and locomotion (4.85+/-2.32). This means that the respondents were in the state of dependence. The main items requiring others' help were 'bathing' (57.7%) and 'going up and down stairs' (51.1%). ADL was significantly different according to age, gender, occupation, medical fee payer, type, severity and duration of disability, BMI, and alcohol drinking. Among the respondents, 82.8% perceived that their health status was bad. Main factors influencing the perceived health status of disability were age and ADL(R2=.343). CONCLUSION: Perception of health status among the disabled is related to their characteristics and ADL, so it is necessary to develop community-base rehabilitation programs in order to improve ADL and the perception of health status.