Social and health determinants of gender differences in functional disability among older adults in Indonesia

Abstract

This study aims to investigate social and health determinants of disability among individuals 50 years and older in a national probability sample who participated in the Indonesia Family Life Survey (IFLS-5). The study analysis utilized a cross-sectional national population-based study in persons 50 years and older using the IFLS-5 in 2014-15. The overall prevalence of functional disability was 31.3%, which was significantly higher among women (32.2%) than men (30.4%). In adjusted analysis among men, older age, rural residence, having heart problems, diabetes, depression symptoms, current or past tobacco user, infrequent consumption of fruit and vegetable and lower grip strength were associated with functional disability, and among women, older age, poorer economic background, stroke, obesity, arthritis, diabetes, other lung conditions, depression symptoms, past tobacco use, physical inactivity and lower grip strength were associated with functional disability. A high prevalence of functional disability was found. Several gender specific risk factors for functional disability were identified, which may help in health programming for older adults in Indonesia.

Keywords: Functional disability; sociodemographic factors; chronic conditions; gender differences; older adults; Indonesia