Functional Disability on Instrumental/Activities of Daily Livings Among Rural Older People in Nepal

Authors

  • Hom Nath Chalise Faculty Member, Department of Public Health, Nobel College affiliated to Pokhara University, Sinamangal, Kathmandu, NepalGeriatric Society of Nepal, Kathmandu Nepal. 
  • Binita Khanal Registered Nurse Supervisor, ArcareTagium aged care, Australia

Keywords:

Older People, Functional limitations, ADLs, IADLs, Rural elderly, Older people of Nepal

Abstract

Background: Functional disability among older people is a growing concern for research for the quality of life of older people these days. The purpose of this paper is to present the situation of functional disability among Nepali elderly living in a rural area.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study from a rural area of Nepal. The total sample size for this study was 150 older persons 65 years and older. Functional disability on older people was assessed using internationally widely used instruments Activities of Daily Livings (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Livings (IADLs).

Results: Mean age of the older persons was 78.46 (±7.78) years. This study found a functional limitation on at least one ADL and IADL was 30% and 52%, respectively. Among the six items of ADLs highest problem was in incontinence (24%), followed by bathing (16%), use of toilet (14%), transfer within the home (10%), dressing and undressing (10%), and feeding (8%). Among IADLs highest dependency was in taking medicine (46%) followed by traveling (44%), shopping (40%), housekeeping (38%), and food preparation (34%). 

Conclusion: This study shows the functional limitations of Nepalese older persons living in the countryside are very high. ADLs and IADLs difficulties often correspond to the exact need for help, supervision, and hands-on care of an older person. The government should focus on some intervention programs for the wellbeing of older adults.

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Published

2020-12-30 — Updated on 2021-06-24

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How to Cite

1.
Chalise HN, Khanal B. Functional Disability on Instrumental/Activities of Daily Livings Among Rural Older People in Nepal: . Journal of Karnali Academy of Health Sciences [Internet]. 2021Jun.24 [cited 2024Apr.18];3(3). Available from: http://jkahs.org.np/jkahs/index.php/jkahs/article/view/338

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 3 (2020): JKAHS; Sep-Dec Issue (9)

Section

Short Communication

License

Copyright (c) 2020 Dr. Homnath Chalise

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