Factors associated with functional disability among Lebanese elderly living in rural areas

Abstract

The objective is to describe disability risk factors in Lebanese elderly living in rural settings, focusing on the role of polypharmacy, alcohol consumption, and nutrition. The Aging and Malnutrition in Elderly Lebanese study, a cross-sectional population-based one (April 2011-April 2012), included 1200 individuals aged ≥65 years from 24 Lebanese rural districts. The results showed that 288 (24%) were disabled and 287 (23.9%) exposed to polypharmacy. More disabled participants were found among patients exposed to polypharmacy (40.8%) than those who were not (18.8%). Major classes associated with disability were "Parkinson" and "Alzheimer" medications, with "alcohol consumption" being responsible for a major interaction with medications. Chronic diseases, nutrition, and socioeconomic status also had a large effect on disability. Skin ulcer (ORa = 8.569; CI 5.330-14.823), followed by dementia (ORa = 3.667; CI 1.167-8.912), and anti-gout drugs (ORa = 3.962; CI 1.290-7.622) were found to be significantly associated with increased odds of disability the most. Many factors are associated with disability among elderly, including polypharmacy and the association of medications with alcohol. Counseling of the elderly caregivers is warranted.