Data from: Assessment of disability among the elderly in Xiamen of China: a representative sample survey of 14,292 older adults

Background: The unprecedented number of elderly individuals in China
presents a serious public health challenge. Limited data are available on
the prevalence of disability or factors resulting in disability among the
elderly in China. Objective: We aimed to assess the prevalence of
disability and related risk factors among the elderly of Xiamen, China.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on individuals who were ≥60
years of age. The subjects were recruited by multi-stage sampling; a total
of 14,292 valid questionnaires were received. Study measurements included
activities of daily living (ADL), demographics, and health status. The ADL
was assessed by the Katz Index Scale to evaluate disability. Chi-square
tests and binary logistic regression were used to identify factors
associated with disabilities. Results: Among the valid participants, 4.27%
had at least one disability. Bathing was the most frequently reported
disability and feeding was the least frequently reported disability.
Disabilities were significantly associated with female gender, older age,
unmarried status, living with family, urban residence, illiteracy, poor
economic status, self-rated bad health, chronic illnesses, lower life
satisfaction, bad mood, and feelings of loneliness. Conclusion: Functional
disability among the elderly requires more public attention. Culturally
appropriate policies and programs are also needed to address the care for
the disabled elderly.