Activity limitations among adult population: evidence of Estonian FFS

Katre Altmets, University of Tartu
Kalev Katus, Estonian Interuniversity Population Research Centre
Allan Puur, Estonian Interuniversity Population Research Centre
Astrid Saava, University of Tartu
Anneli Uusküla, University of Tartu

Background. Limitations in activities of daily living and in social participation (disability) are turning the largest health-related burden caused by population ageing in demographically developed countries. Purpose. To assess the prevalence, severity and types of limitations, their differential spread in the subgroups and the assistance in Estonian population aged 20-79. Data and methods. A cross-sectional study was carried out as a second round of the Estonian Family and Fertility Survey (national project of the European FFS). A random sample (n=11192) of the target population (birth cohorts 1924-1983) was abstracted from the Population census of 2000 database. Rigorously implemented probability sampling was used. In 2004-2005, face-to-face interviews were conducted. Main results. The response rate was 70,2%. The prevalence of limitations was 18,5% (95% CI 17,6 – 19,4), but would have been rised up to 20,8% (95% CI 19,9-21,7), if the nonrespondents with poor health status (n=230) had been taken into analysis. No significant differences were found between sexes. A moderate rise in the prevalence in the linear setting appeared in the birth cohort of 1944-1948 in men. A logistic regression analysis showed the raise in limitations in the case of increasing age, lower education and marital status as single. The prevalence of severe limitations was 10,7% (95% CI 8,6 – 12,9) among the total population. Assistance was received by 8,7% (95% CI 6,5 – 10,9) of the total. 18,5% of the population with severe limitations did not receive any assistance. Conclusions. Along with population ageing, the need for socialized care will grow remarkably. Reasonable planning of resources, addressing specific risk groups to prevent limitations in daily activities, should receive increased priority. In the final abstract also the multiplicity, timing and duration of the daily activity limitations will be presented.