[A replication of multidimensionality of activities of daily living(ADL): on the elderly in southern Taiwan].

ABSTRACT

The purpose of the present study is to test whether Wolinsky and Johnson's declaration that activities of daily living (ADL) can be divided into three subdimension (basic, household, and advanced ADL), and whether these three dimensions could be replicated or not in Taiwan. Furthermore, to confirm the relationship of advanced ADL and cognitive function. The analyses were based on a sample of 790 respondents over 65 years of age who lived in the community of Southern Taiwan. Fourteen items were adopted from the ADL section of OARS Multidimensional Functional Assessment (OMFAQ, Chinese Version) for performing a confirmatory factor analysis. In addition, 10 items from the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ) were selected for a zero-order correlation and regression analyses to examine the relationship between the advanced ADL and cognitive function. The results support Wolinsky & Johnson's assertion, but some items that are comprised in each factor structure, however, are not consistent with those in Wolinsky & Johnson's study, such as taking medicine, grooming, eating, shopping, and transporting. Significant correlation between advanced ADL and cognitive function was also confirmed in the study (r = 0.612, p < 0.05).