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Activity of daily living problems in older cancer survivors: a population-based controlled study
- Authors:
- GROV Ellen Karine, FOSSÅ Sophie D., DAHL Alv A.
- Journal article citation:
- Health and Social Care in the Community, 18(4), July 2010, pp.396-406.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
For an older person, the ability to carry out activities of daily living (ADL) is essential for independent living. This cross-sectional study examined ADL problems in older cancer survivors compared to a cancer-free control group. Of the 11,899 participants, 911 individuals over 70 years had invasive cancer. Personal and Instrumental ADL (P-ADL and I-ADL) problems were self-rated (P-ADL problems addressed activities such as personal hygiene, dressing and eating, while I-ADL problems concerned household activities, managing finances, shopping and administration of medication). Associations among independent variables and P-ADL and I-ADL problems were examined. P-ADL problems were present in 10% of the cancer survivors and 8% of the controls. Correspondingly, 38% of the cancer survivors had I-ADL problems versus 32% of the controls. Older cancer survivors with co-morbidity showed higher rates of P-ADL and I-ADL problems compared with controls with co-morbidity (14% versus 9%, and 47% versus 39%). Cancer survivors with co-morbidity had more P-ADL and I-ADL problems than survivors without co-morbidity (14% versus 8%, and 47% versus 32%). Results revealed higher incidence of ADL problems among a population of older cancer survivors compared with cancer-free controls, and somatic co-morbidity further increased the prevalence of both P-ADL and I-ADL problems in the cancer survivors. In conclusion, the authors suggest that primary health care providers should pay attention to and assess ADL problems in older cancer survivors.