[Analysis of factors affecting prognosis of bed-bound elderly at home using the life-table technique]

Survival data analysis was carried out in a community to aim at linking the home visit survey of the 106 chronically bed-restricted elderly aged 60 and older to whom care was given exclusively by their coresidents, to deaths certified within 40 months of the baseline interviews. The questionnaire in the baseline survey included items concerning demographic attributes, functional status, activity of daily living, mental status and family contact. During the 40-month observation interval 59 deaths were registered in this population. The association of 16 independent variables with fatal outcome derived from the above survey was evaluated using two kinds of life-table analyses. First, a non-parametric technique was applied to estimate the survival distribution and computing rank tests for association. Subsequent multivariate analysis made with the step-wise method revealed the significant importance of being stimulated everyday by TV or radio and that of the relationship of caregivers to the elderly as well as good physical function and mental well-being for longevity of chronically bed-bound elderly.