Home-based supportive and health care services based on functional ability in older adults in Iran.

Abstract

Background: Home-based care is affordable due to population aging, increased chronic disease, and higher hospitalization costs. The objective was to evaluate home-based supportive and health care services provided to older adults and identify possible associations between activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental ADL (IADLs) classifications, sociodemographic variables, clinical characteristics, and perceived social support among older adults.

Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, 700 people aged 60 years and older were selected by stratified cluster sampling. Areas of Tabriz City were selected as clusters, and 55 comprehensive urban health centers were selected as stratifies. Chi-square, Pearson's and Spearman's tests, and multiple linear regression were used for statistical analyses. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 24.0, SPSS Inc., Chicago, USA). The study instrument included demographic characteristics of older adults and caregivers, health services provided at home, and two valid questionnaires, including the KATZ index of independence in (instrumental) activities of daily living and a multidimensional scale of perceived social support. Scores on scales and demographic variables were collected during telephone interviews. The study lasted from April 25, 2022, to October 30, 2022.

Results: A high level of perceived social support was 56.6%. The study found that 51.3% of participants had family caregivers. Most participants had ADL independence (85.4%), while 22.9% and 24.3% were dependent and needed assistance with IADL, respectively. Women had a lower ADL score and a higher IADL score than men (P < 0.05). The obtained results of multiple regression analysis revealed a negative and significant association between unemployment, illiteracy, increasing age, five and more medications, and ADL and IADL dependency (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Empowering older adults to reduce dependency, and designing a formal home-based care system is recommended.