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Journal of Applied Gerontology, Vol. 23, No. 2, 141-155 (2004)
DOI: 10.1177/0733464804265606

Predictors of the Use of Assistive Devices that Address Physical Impairments Among Community-Based Frail Elders

Machiko R. Tomita

University at Buffalo

William C. Mann

University of Florida

Linda F. Fraas

University at Buffalo

Kathleen M. Stanton

University at Buffalo

Use of assistive devices is a type of health behavior utilized to maintain independence and enable living at home. The purpose of this study is to identify predictors of the use of assistive devices that address physical impairments among community-based frail elders. A convenience sample of 694 cognitively intact, physically frail elders older than 60, living at home, was used. Interviewers who visited their homes identified devices in use (M = 9.5). Predictors were determined by hierarchical multiple regression analyses. Among 15 independent variables, physical disability level (higher severity) was the strongest overall predictor. Medication intake (more) was the only predictor among health indicators. Race (White) was the strongest predictor among demographic variables, followed by region (south) and living arrangements (living alone). Among the psychosocial variables, depression was an important predictor to hinder assistive-device use. Further studies are encouraged to create a model of maintaining health behavior that includes assistive-device use.

Key Words: assistive devices • physical impairments • frail elderly • depression • predictors of devices • population at risk


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