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Predisposing factors and precipitants for bathing disability in older persons
Thomas M Gill1, Ling Han, Heather G Allore
1Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA. gill@ynhh.org
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
|April 3, 2007
Summary
Older adults develop bathing disability due to underlying vulnerabilities and health events. Identifying these predisposing factors and precipitants can help prevent loss of bathing independence.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Bathing disability affects a significant proportion of older adults, impacting their independence and quality of life.
- Understanding the factors contributing to bathing disability is crucial for developing effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify predisposing factors and precipitants associated with the development of persistent bathing disability in community-living older adults.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cohort study was conducted with 754 residents aged 70 and older.
- Predisposing factors were assessed over 6 years, and participants were followed for a median of 61 months for precipitants (illnesses/injuries) and bathing disability.
Main Results:
- Over 8 years, 44.2% of participants developed persistent bathing disability.
- Inability to rise from a chair, low bathing self-efficacy, and low physical activity were strong predisposing factors.
- Hospitalization (HR 24.6) and restricted activity (HR 3.01) were significant precipitants, with predisposing factors contributing 47.7% and precipitants 27.1% to bathing disability.
Conclusions:
- Bathing disability results from a combination of individual vulnerabilities and acute health events.
- Targeting predisposing factors and precipitants offers potential strategies for preventing bathing disability in older populations.
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