Factors Associated with the Perceived Need for Assistance in Daily Living among Community-Dwelling Older Adults:

A Questionnaire-Based Study

Abstract

This study examined factors associated with the perceived need for assistance in daily living among community-dwelling older adults. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted involving 194 community-dwelling adults in Tokyo, Japan. The outcome variable was defined as the perceived need for assistance in daily living. This outcome was intended to reflect the subjective perception of needing assistance in daily living rather than functional disability or formal long-term care certification. Lifestyle- and health-related factors were assessed using questionnaire items developed with reference to the Kihon Checklist and the FRAIL scale. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses examined associations with the outcome. In univariate analyses, reduced frequency of going out, lack of social interaction, restricted life-space, history of falls, decreased appetite, weight loss, polypharmacy, and urinary incontinence were significantly associated with the perceived need for assistance in daily living. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, restricted life-space and living alone remained independently and significantly associated with the outcome, after adjustment for age, gender, and other lifestyle- and health-related factors. Older adults with restricted life-space had higher odds of reporting a perceived need for assistance in daily living, as did those living alone. Simple indicators related to daily mobility and living arrangement were associated with the perceived need for assistance in daily living. Given that the outcome was based on a subjective item and the study employed a cross-sectional design, these findings should be interpreted with caution. The potential usefulness of these indicators for early identification should be examined in future longitudinal research.