Löfqvist Charlotte, Nygren Carita, Széman Zsuzsa, Iwarsson Susanne
Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, Sweden.
Scand J Occup Ther. 2005 Dec;12(4):181-92. doi: 10.1080/11038120500210652.
The aim of this study was to investigate the use and need of assistive devices (ADs) in a cross-national European sample of very old persons, focusing on national similarities and differences as well as similarities and differences according to age and level of health status. Data from the ENABLE-AGE research project were utilized involving very old persons in Sweden, Germany, Latvia, Hungary, and the United Kingdom (UK). Personal interviews with single-living old persons were conducted (n = 1918). Of the total sample 65% reported that they had and used one or more ADs, and 24% reported unfilled need. The most commonly used ADs were devices for communication, followed by devices for mobility. Participants in Hungary and Latvia used a lower total number of ADs. Comparisons among sub-groups according to age between the Western and the Eastern European national samples showed significant differences. The result can to some extent be explained by different welfare systems and presumably differences in knowledge and awareness of ADs, and further research is called for. However, the result can serve as input for future planning and development of information, services, and community-based occupational therapy, to improve healthcare and social services for older people.
本研究的目的是在一个欧洲跨国高龄老人样本中调查辅助器具（ADs）的使用情况和需求，重点关注国家之间的异同以及根据年龄和健康状况水平的异同。利用了ENABLE-AGE研究项目的数据，涉及瑞典、德国、拉脱维亚、匈牙利和英国（UK）的高龄老人。对独居老人进行了个人访谈（n = 1918）。在总样本中，65%的人报告说他们拥有并使用了一种或多种辅助器具，24%的人报告有未满足的需求。最常用的辅助器具是通讯设备，其次是移动设备。匈牙利和拉脱维亚的参与者使用的辅助器具总数较少。根据年龄对西欧和东欧国家样本中的亚组进行比较，结果显示存在显著差异。这一结果在一定程度上可以通过不同的福利体系以及辅助器具知识和认知方面可能存在的差异来解释，因此需要进一步研究。然而，该结果可为未来信息、服务和社区职业治疗的规划与发展提供参考，以改善老年人的医疗保健和社会服务。
