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Published on: February 8, 2019
Self-determination among community-dwelling older persons: explanatory factors
Isabelle Ottenvall Hammar1,2,3, Synneve Dahlin-Ivanoff1,3, Katarina Wilhelmson1,3,4
1a Department of Health and Rehabilitation, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, the Sahlgrenska Academy , University of Gothenburg , Gothenburg , Sweden ;
Background:
Although it is acknowledged that exercising self-determination in daily activities affects older people's health and well-being, few studies have focused on the explanatory factors for self-determination in daily life.
Objective:
To investigate explanatory factors for self-determination in the context of community-dwelling older persons.
Method:
This cross-sectional study combined two sets of data that included community-dwelling persons 80 years and older (n = 456). A bivariate logistic regression was performed to analyse the association of self-determination and a set of explanatory factors.
Results:
The final bivariate logistic regression model revealed five explanatory factors that were significantly associated with perceiving reduced self-determination: high education (OR = 2.83), frailty (OR = 2.70), poor self-rated health (OR = 2.54), dissatisfaction with physical health (OR = 6.50), and receiving help from public homecare service (OR = 2.46).
Conclusion:
Several explanatory factors related to the ageing body and environmental aspects were associated with reduced self-determination. To help older people maintain self-determination, healthcare professionals should consider using a person-centred and capability approach to care.
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