Article

The aim of this study was to better understand the linkages between
impairment and activity limitation among groups of elderly community-living
persons. This study used a United States population-based complex
survey with weights used to make accurate population prevalence estimates from
the 1994 National Health Interview Survey on Disability. Included were 2429
persons 70 yrs or older with one or more activity of daily living or instrumental
activity of daily living-only activity limitations. Limitations were addressed
according to the impairment(s) perceived to be causing them. RESULTS: :
Musculoskeletal impairments accounted for more than one-third of all perceived
causes. The odds of having any activity of daily living limitations for persons
whose limitations were attributed to musculoskeletal impairments and to brain or
behavioral impairments were 2.12 times (95% confidence interval, 1.63-2.76) and
3.00 times (95% confidence interval, 2.23-4.03) the odds for the reference group
of cardiopulmonary and hematology impairment. CONCLUSIONS: : Although
musculoskeletal impairments were the most common cause of activity limitation,
impairments associated with brain or behavioral disturbance were perceived as
most disabling.

Langue : ANGLAIS