Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the characteristics of homebound elderly living in the community. The subjects were 166 older adults aged 65 to 96. We defined homebound going-out frequency about once per week. The results demonstrated a homebound rate of 21.1%, a higher tendency than past studies. The factors related to homebound state were TMIG-Index of Competence, social role, self-rated health, self-rated physical strength, social activities and social support. IADL, cognitive function and area environment were not related. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to analyze independent effects of the homebound status. The final model for prediction of homebound status at follow-up research included : self-rated physical strength (OR : 0.43 ; 95%CI : 0.22-0.84),socialrole (OR : 0.71 ; 95%CI : 0.50-0.99), learning activities at a citizen hall (OR : 0.27 ; 95%CI : 0.08-0.97). Discussion : In spite of the fact that self-rated physical strength was not connected with present IADL, it was a factor in homebound status. As a result, when performing prevention activities for the homebound in communities, it was suggested that it is effective to examine the contents of any activity requiring physical strength.
