Factors Associated with Functional Status in Community-Dwelling Hispanic Elders, in East Little Havana, FL

Abstract

Purpose: Data from a National Institute on Aging funded grant, developed by the University of Miami (UM), Center for Family Studies, were analyzed to determine if baseline levels of cognitive function, physical performance, psychological well-being, physical health, and social support (SS) predict functional status [basic (BADL) and instrumental (IADL) activities of daily living] among Hispanic elders (30 months later). Participants: The parent grant randomly selected a population based sample of Hispanic seniors living in East Little Havana, Florida: n=216, `M' age = 80.0 yrs, `SD' = 6.0; female = 63%. Methods: Data from two time points of the parent grant separated by 30 months were used in this analysis. Self report and physical measures of: cognitive function (MMSE), physical performance (gait speed, grip strength, number of blocks walked in past 7 days), psychological well-being (CES-D), physical health (BMI & self-rated health), SS (Received SS scale), and functional status (BADL and IADL), measured by a derivative of the OARS Functional Assessment Questionnaire, were examined. Two stepwise regression equations (one for BADL and one for IADL as dependent variables respectively) were calculated using SPSS v17.0. The study was approved by UM and Temple University's IRB. Results: Gait speed and physical activity were positively associated with IADL while physical activity was positively associated with BADL. In contrast, received social support and age were negatively associated with each of these outcomes. Conclusion: `Young-old,' Hispanic adults with lower levels of received SS and higher gait speeds and levels of physical activity exhibit greater BADL and IADL capacity. Social Relevance: Results of this study have implications for the development of strategies that delay long-term placement of Hispanic elders with disability.