Health status and disability among elderly people in three UK districts

Abstract

Aim: to obtain population data on health status and disability of elderly people which may help in planning and maintaining services and be used as comparators for research. Method: random samples of people aged 70 and over were interviewed in their own homes in West Glamorgan, Dudley and North Staffordshire. The interviews included standardized assessments of health status (SF-36), disability (Barthel index) and cognitive function (Abbreviated Mental Test). Results: 1608 interviews were completed. Response rates varied between 66 and 84%. Age and sex adjusted scores for five of the eight parameters of the SF-36 and the Barthel score differed significantly between districts. Conclusions: local studies are required to provide appropriate normative data for each area. In the absence of such studies, the data in this paper are the best currently available.