Differences of functional status among elderly women in urban and rural settings – Self-report and performance-based measures

The importance of locomotion in value systems of elderly emphasizes the high profile of physiotherapist in the care of elderly. This research sought to: (i) assess the urban–rural differences in functional status as measured by self-report and performance-based measure; and (ii) determine factors that are associated with functional status among community-dwelling elderly women. One hundred and twenty-three randomly selected community-dwelling elderly women (65–80 years of age) completed the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Physical Performance Test (PPT), Lawton's Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) and demographic questionnaires. Geographical difference was observed in performing physical function but not reporting functional disability. Cognitive function appears to have the strongest association with functional performance in both areas. Age and education were strongly associated with self-reported disability among rural-dwellers, whereas cognitive function and depression was related to self-reported disability among urban-dwellers. This study demonstrated how risk factors vary for elderly women living in different environments. Knowing the different as well as common factors influencing functional status is relevant not only for the deployment of secondary and tertiary prevention, but also suggests an effective treatment for rehabilitation especially among elderly living in different environments.