Investigation of Environmental Factors Related to the Participation and Life Space of Day-care Service Users

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to clarify the characteristics of environmental factors related to the participation and living space of day-care service users.

Methods: The participants were 99 day-care service users (day-care and day-rehabilitation) aged 65 years or older. Participation was assessed using the Community Integration Questionnaire, life space was evaluated using the Life Space Assessment, and environmental factors were measured using the Home and Community Environment tool. A hypothetical model was developed and validated using structural equation modeling.

Results: Environmental factors related to participation and life space were directly or indirectly influenced by those associated with transportation, residents’ attitudes, and communication support tools.

Conclusion: Different environmental factors affect participation and life space depending on the type of participation. Environmental factors related to participation may indirectly influence life space through their effects on participation.