posted on 2023-07-26, 16:09authored bySheila Sanchez Castillo, Lee Smith, Arturo Diaz Suarez, Guillermo F Lopez Sanchez
Activities of daily living (ADL) may be limited by the presence of chronic diseases, and
limitations in ADL contribute to an increased risk of falling. In people with asthma, chronic obstruc�tive pulmonary disease (COPD), and asthma–COPD overlap (ACO), ADL may be affected owing
to poor asthma control and COPD ventilatory limitations. The aim of this study was to establish
the differing prevalence of limitations in ADL among older Spanish adults with chronic respiratory
diseases (COPD, asthma, and ACO). Data from the Spanish National Health Survey were analyzed.
The sample was composed of 944 older adults aged ≥65 years and with a positive diagnosis of COPD
(n = 502), asthma (n = 241), or ACO (n = 201). Five basic activities of daily living (BADL) and seven
instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) were studied. Frequency and percentages were used to
describe sample characteristics and limitations of ADL. Significant differences were analyzed using
chi-square tests. Results revealed a significant higher number of older adults with COPD (34.8%)
and asthma (32.5%) without limitations in doing hard housework in comparison to ACO (17.8%).
Regarding meal preparation, a higher percentage of asthmatics without difficulties (77.7%) and a
lower percentage with many difficulties (2.6%) were observed in comparison to ACO (64.8%–10.2%).
No differences were found in BADL, with approximately 80–90% without limitations. It seems that
limitations in IADL vary according to the type of chronic pulmonary diseases, but further research is
needed to clarify why differences were found only for preparing meals and hard housework. These
findings should be considered in the design of interventions to promote ADL in older adults with
respiratory disease.
History
Refereed
Yes
Volume
20
Issue number
4
Publication title
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health