Functional dependence and chronic disease in older Mexicans]

The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of functional dependence in older Mexicans and associated chronic conditions.The study was conducted between June and December 2004 in the Geriatric Department of the Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Medicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubiran, Mexico City. The data for the variables were obtained from the information in the National Study of Health and Aging in Mexico survey (ENASEM). The survey was based on the law for statistical and geographic information,Chapter V, Article 38. A total of 4,872 subjects from the national survey of aging and health in Mexico were asked about their need for help in basic activities of daily living (BADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). Presence of disease was obtained through self-reporting.Prevalence of functional dependence was 24 and 23% for BADL and IADL, respectively. Joint disease, cerebrovascular disease, cognitive impairment and depression were associated with dependency in BADL and IADL.The prevalence of functional dependence is high among Mexicans over 65 years old. This study shows the chronic conditions that are closely associated with functional dependence and provides a perspective in order to develop preventative measures.