Understanding the Multilevel Disability Self-Management Strategies of Puerto Rican Older Men

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Occupational Therapy
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Older adults, particularly Hispanic men, face unique challenges with disabilities impacting daily life.
• Self-management strategies are crucial for maintaining independence and quality of life in this demographic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore person, environment, and occupation-related self-management strategies used by older Hispanic men coping with functional disabilities.
• To identify how these strategies apply to various daily activities.

Main Methods:

• A concurrent transformative mixed-methods design with qualitative priority was employed.
• Data collection included the PROMIS Physical Function Short Form-20 and in-depth semi-structured interviews with 12 participants.
• The Environment and Occupational Performance Model guided the study.

Main Results:

• Participants reported significant functional disabilities, especially in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL).
• The average T-score for physical function was below the national average (35.96).
• Predominant self-management strategies involved practical social support and modifying the method of performance for self-care, IADL, and functional mobility.

Conclusions:

• Identified self-management strategies offer insights into supporting older Hispanic men with disabilities.
• Findings can inform the development of targeted interventions to enhance functional capacity in older Puerto Rican populations.