Sociodemographic Determinants, Health Conditions, and Mental Status as Predictors of the Functional Status of Older Saudi People

Abstract

The increasing population of Saudi elderly demands adequate assessment of their functional health status and mental status to improve their health and quality of life. This study aimed to determine the functional status of older Saudi people in performing basic activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) and its influencing factors. This quantitative, descriptive-correlational study surveyed a total of 203 participants using the Mini-Mental State Examination, Katz Index of ADL, and Lawton IADL. Overall, the participants had moderate cognitive impairment and were able to perform basic ADLs and IADLs independently, but they needed assistance in doing housework. Functional status was sensitive to their sociodemographic characteristics, presence of health problems, and mental status. Mental status, education, employment, marital status, and source of support were significantly associated with their ability to perform basic ADLs and IADLs. This study suggests that more efforts are needed to understand the sociodemographic characteristics, presence of health problems, and mental status that support the development of evidence-based public health policy on the functional status among older Saudi people. The findings can be utilized by hospital and nursing administrators to initiate educational and training programs for healthcare professionals including nurses and to create healthcare policies so that the health concerns and functional difficulties of older patients are adequately addressed.

Assessing Functional Status in Geriatric Patients Attending Primary Healthcare Centers in Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia

“…Another recent study by Al Anazi had 203 respondents with a mean age of 72.3 years. Over half (52.71%) of the participants were female, aged 65 years and older, extending beyond 75 years [ 14 ].…”

“…In the current study, the participants aged between 65 and 75 years had the highest independence level in the Katz ADL and Lawton-Brody IADL, whereas those aged 85 years and older showed declined performance in ADL and IADL. This can be attributed to the aging process, having multiple chronic diseases, and frailty [ 10 , 14 , 21 ]. Other studies have also reported functional decline associated with the age of 85 years or more [ 10 , 14 , 18 ].…”

“…This can be attributed to the aging process, having multiple chronic diseases, and frailty [ 10 , 14 , 21 ]. Other studies have also reported functional decline associated with the age of 85 years or more [ 10 , 14 , 18 ]. In our study, educated, married participants and those residing with a spouse in their own homes exhibited higher levels of independence in ADL and IADL.…”

“…A total score of 6 signifies a high level of independence, while a score of 0 signifies significant dependency. The Katz ADL was extensively used in assessing the functional status of BADL in the elderly population [ 14 ].…”