2022 Volume 11 Issue 3 Pages 172-178
Objective: This study aimed to examine the factors associated with multiple physical illnesses and disabilities in older people from a foreign background.
Methods: A group survey, using a self-administered questionnaire, was sent to 100 participants who were divided into two groups based on their foreign roots. The first group consisted of returnees from China, and the second consisted of Koreans residing in Japan. All the participants were over the age of 65 years. The objective variable was defined as having three or more of the physical illnesses and disabilities. The explanatory variables were basic attributes, socioeconomic status, social relations, acculturation, and literacy.
Results: Results of the multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested that older people with multiple diseases and disorders should only use their native language outside the home (OR=8.09, 95% CI [1.73, 37.83]) and that the risk associated with cognitive decline is high (OR=6.27, 95% CI [1.87, 21.09]).
conclusion : Support for older people from foreign backgrounds with multiple physical illnesses and disabilities should include consideration of the potential risk of cognitive decline in addition to consideration of language.
