Prevalence of functional disability and associated factors among elderly residing in a rural area of Puducherry

Background: Elderly people are one of the most vulnerable populations, with a higher risk of having chronic illnesses, infections, and eventual disability. Along with morbidity and death rates, the amount of disability is an essential metric in quantifying disease burden. This study estimates the prevalence of functional disability and associated socio-demographic characteristics and morbidities in a rural area of Puducherry. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 360 people aged 60 and above who are living in the study area. People who had difficulty in activities of daily living (ADL), blindness, bilateral hearing impairment, cognitive impairment, or a combination of these were regarded to have functional disability. Barthel index, Snellen's chart, Whisper test and Elderly cognitive assessment questionnaire were used to assess the disabilities. Simple descriptive analysis and the Chi-square test were incorporated in statistical analysis. In order to understand the factors associated with functional disability, multiple logistic regression is performed. Results: The prevalence of functional disability was found to be 30 % (95 % Confidence Interval: 25.5-34.9) among the 360 study participants. 13.8 % had ADL disability, 8 % had visual impairment, 11.6 % had hearing impairment and 9.7 % had cognitive impairment. Men had a lower prevalence (28.3 %) than women (31.2 %). The prevalence increased with age, low socio-economic status and found more common among persons who were widowed or widower. Disability increased with increasing morbidities. Discussion: Functional disability among elderly in rural area is very common. It is associated with morbidities and sociodemographic factors. To guarantee healthy ageing functional disabilities must be recognized early using appropriate methods.