High prevalence of disability in older adults in 15 departments of Honduras, year 2015

Abstract

Background: The global prevalence of disability in older adults ranges between 29.5% and 43.4% in high/low-income countries (WHO 2011). Objective: To determine the prevalence of disability and associated factors in older adults, Honduras, 2014- 2015. Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study with association analysis. Last year medical students, Universidad Nacional Autónoma of Honduras, actively searched for 50 participants ≥60 years old. Two instruments were applied, one for active search and the other to characterize the participant with/without permanent disability ≥1 year of evolution. Activity limitation and participation restriction ≤30 days were evaluated using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and WHODAS 2.0 questionnaire (WHO). We carried out univariate analysis (frequencies, percentages, prevalences, CI95%) and bivariate analysis (difference in proportions); p<0.05 was considered significant). Results: Of a total of 5,126 participants ≥60 years of age, 3,017 (58.9%) women, average age 73.6 years (range 60-106), the prevalence of disability was 51.2% (2,627 / 5,126); mild degree disability occurred in 1,893 (72.1%). Structures related to movement (75.5%) and skeletal function (72.6%) were the most affected. The limitation of movement (93.4%) and the restriction on investing personal and family money in their health status (86.8%) were the most frequent. The factors female sex, age >70 years old, <6- year schooling, chronic illness, trauma, accident, or violence could be associated with disability; all p<0.01. Discussion: Disability in older adults was associated with some preventable conditions. It is urgent to implement healthy aging programs in Honduras.