Alberto Coustasse, M.D., Dr.P.H., Sejong Bae, Ph.D., Cody J. Arvidson, Ph.D., Karan P. Singh, Ph.D.
Disability and Health Journal, July 2008 Volume 1, Issue 3, Pages 150–156
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.dhjo.2008.04.005
Abstract
Background
The purpose of this study was to compare disability and functional limitations among elderly Asian American subgroups using datasets from the National Health Interview Survey 2001−2003.
Methods
This retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed whether activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental ADL (IADL) disabilities were different among Asian American subgroups in the United States using data retrieved from the 2001−2003 National Health Interview Survey. For comparing all Asian American subgroups, χ2 analysis was applied for the bivariate comparisons.
Results
Rates of 7.1% and 12.2% for ADL and IADL disability, respectively, within Asian American group were found. The elder Chinese subgroup accounted for the highest ADL and IADL disability (11.6% and 17.3%, respectively, p < .05). Being female, not married, and older was associated with higher ADL and IADL disability (p < .05).
Conclusions
The findings of the study highlight the intergroup variability among the elder Asian American subpopulations.