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Updated: Jul 12, 2026
06:52
Assessment of Dependence in Activities of Daily Living Among Older Patients in an Acute Care Unit
Published on: September 30, 2020
[Functional dependence and chronic disease in older Mexicans]
Melba Barrantes-Monge1, Emilio José García-Mayo, Luis Miguel Gutiérrez-Robledo
1Centro de Información, Ministerio de Salud, Managua, Nicaragua.
Salud Publica De Mexico
|October 31, 2007
Summary
Functional dependence is high in older Mexicans, affecting 24% for basic activities and 23% for instrumental activities. Chronic conditions like joint disease and cognitive impairment are strongly linked to this dependence.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Functional dependence significantly impacts the quality of life for older adults.
- Understanding the prevalence and associated factors is crucial for targeted interventions in aging populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of functional dependence in older Mexicans.
- To identify chronic conditions associated with functional dependence in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the National Study of Health and Aging in Mexico (ENASEM) survey.
- Assessed functional dependence through basic activities of daily living (BADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL).
- Chronic conditions were identified via self-reporting.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of functional dependence was 24% for BADL and 23% for IADL.
- Joint disease, cerebrovascular disease, cognitive impairment, and depression were significantly associated with functional dependence.
- These associations were observed for both BADL and IADL.
Conclusions:
- Functional dependence is highly prevalent among Mexicans aged 65 and older.
- Specific chronic conditions are closely linked to functional dependence, highlighting areas for preventative strategies.
- Findings provide a basis for developing targeted public health initiatives for elderly Mexicans.
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