Correlates of Disability Status in Filipino Women

Tita Lorna L. Perez, University of San Carlos
Nanette Lee, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Paulita L. Duazo, University of San Carlos
Linda Adair, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

With a population that is aging slowly and increasing in life expectancy, Filipinos are likely to be vulnerable to morbidity and disability in their remaining years. Using data from the Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Study, we examine disability measures [limitations to perform physical activities, activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL)] and associated factors in 1933 women aged 35-68 from Metro Cebu, Philippines. Among younger women (<49.5): having more pregnancies promote IADL disability, and living in urban areas and household size are positively associated with physical disability. Among middle age women (49.5 – 59.4): high waist circumference and urban residency promote IADL disability. For women in the oldest age category (>59.4): smoking, high waist circumference and large household size contribute to physical disability. Age and having more illnesses are strongly associated with any disability at all ages.