International Classification of Functioning-Based Analysis of Activity Limitations and Participation in Hospitalized Elderly Patients in Poland: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to assess disability (activities and participation) among older people hospitalized in an acute geriatric hospital in south-eastern Poland, using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) as a framework, and to explore the relationship with contextual factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS A set of ICF entities and a disability index were used to assess activity limitations and/or participation restrictions in older people admitted to Przeworsk Hospital. Contextual factors included sociodemographic characteristics, medication use, history of falls, self-assessment of quality of life, and health satisfaction. The relationship between them was assessed using a linear regression model. RESULTS A total of 281 people aged 80 years and older participated in the study. Severe problems were found in activities such as walking (45.20% of respondents), undertaking a single task (28.83%), and carrying out daily routine (18.86%). Problems were found in doing housework (24.20%), preparing meals (8.90%), and washing oneself (8.19%). The disability index showed a statistically significative relationship with age, history of falls (P<0.001), and self-perception of health and quality of life. CONCLUSIONS Disability in activities and participation in older people admitted to a geriatric hospital for acute care is influenced by contextual factors, some of which are modifiable. Identifying these factors and the implementing therapeutic interventions to prevent them could improve the level of functioning and prevent long-term disability in these patients.