223249 Comparison of the functional impact of self-reported secondary health conditions in older community-dwelling African American and Latina women using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Framework

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Jennifer Rowland, PhD, PT, MPH , Department of Disability and Human Development, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
Adults aging into disability are at an increased risk of developing secondary health conditions, defined as “preventable physical, mental, and social disorders resulting directly or indirectly from an initial disabling condition…” according to a recent report from the White House Conference on Aging. Secondary conditions can limit socially, psychologically, and physically constructive behaviors such as physical activity participation. Although the natural aging process is partly responsible for reductions in physiological and psychological functioning, secondary conditions are overlaid upon the natural aging process as factors that can compound, and in some cases accelerate, alterations in health and function. Sixty-nine older community-dwelling African American women and forty-seven Latina women were interviewed in separate focus groups to determine self-reported secondary health conditions and functional impact. Questions were structured by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF), using personal, environmental, and social categories. Results indicated commonly reported secondary conditions for both groups were pain and fatigue. Latina women reported a greater impact from sleep problems . Among the highest reports of functional problems resulting from these health conditions for African American women were difficulty accessing proper medical care and transportation to achieve daily tasks such as grocery shopping. Latina women reported a greater social isolation and listed family relationships with their children as barriers to good health (ie, don't want to bother son/daughter).By identifying and exploring the severity and impact of certain secondary health conditions, interventions can be tailored to mitigate their adverse effects on people from various racial and cultural backgrounds.

Learning Areas:
Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Diversity and culture
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs

Learning Objectives:
•Discuss secondary health conditions adults aging into disability experience; •Compare the impact these secondary health conditions have on health and function for African American and Latina women in a large urban area; *Examine the health and function limitations and participation restrictions as classified by the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF); • Evaluate ways in which early identification of these secondary health conditions can be used to tailor programming and prevention efforts in community-based senior centers.

Keywords: Aging, Minority Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a physical therapist with a master of public health degree and a PhD in behavioral science. I received funding to conduct this research and completed the research and analyzed the data myself. I have worked in the area of geriatric rehabilitation as a physical therapist for the past 12 years and have personal experience working with older adults who report the types of secondary health conditions identified in this research. I worked on this research in collaboration with the Chicago Department on Aging.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.