A Study on Daily Living Activity, Cognitive Function and Depression of Community Dwelling Elderly Women Served Home Visiting Care Service

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to analyze the relationship of daily living activity, cognitive function and depression of elderly women who are receiving the visiting nurses service in the community.

Methods: Study participant were 1.715 community-dwelling elderly women who live in S City. The data was collected from 5th January to 28th February 2006. The cross-sectional descriptive survey was done using a structured questionnaire through interviews by visiting nurses.

Results: The average scores of daily living activity was high, which indicates a relatively independent daily life. However, the score of cognitive function was 21.04 (normal range is over 23). The average score of depression was 2.02 (normal range is below 5). There was a significantly positive correlation among ADL. IADL and cognitive function with the pearson correlation coefficients, IADL and cognitive function showed a significant negative correlation with depression. Elderly women subjects who are old aged (over 85 years) and low educated showed low daily living activity and cognitive function. Low educated subjects also showed higher score of depression than others.

Conclusions: It is concluded that elderly women subjects who are old aged, and low educated should be watched carefully for the daily living activity, cognitive function and depression. Nurses also should manage elderly women’s health considering with the relationship of daily living activity, cognitive function and depression. In addition, the government should apply early detection and management system for cognitive impairment and depression in the community.