The role of sociodemographic factors and chronic illness in functional disability of older Kuwaitis

A cross-sectional interview survey of 2,487 Kuwaiti individuals aged 50 and above was conducted to identify the background factors and chronic diseases that exacerbate functional disability among older Kuwaitis. Functional disability was measured as physical ability, ability for self-care, and ability to perform daily routine activities. Association of sociodemographic factors, lifestyle, depressive symptoms, and five chronic illnesses with disability was analyzed. A quarter of respondents (n = 607) reported to suffer from functional disability and 33% of them from severe disability. Logistic regression indicated that stroke, arthritis, and heart disease were positively associated with functional disability. Older age, unmarried status, non-Bedouin background, lower education, and lower income were significant positive correlates. Stroke was significantly associated with severe disability, as were older age, unmarried status, lower socioeconomic status (SES), higher depression level, and lack of coresident children. Thus, several sociodemographic factors, chronic illnesses, and depressive symptom experience are significant correlates of disability.