Influence of sociocultural and structural factors on functional ability: The case of elderly people in Bangladesh

Objective: To describe and contextualize functional status of elderly peopl e (greater than or equal to 60 years) in Bangladesh by relating it to gende r, region, and socioeconomic status. Methods: In this community-based study (N = 696), functional status was described through assessment of activitie s of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). Information was obtained on type of help used for ADLs and IADLs and reaso n for nonperformance of IADLs. Results: Findings indicate differential perf ormance in ADLs and IADLs by gender and region. Socioeconomic status is fou nd to influence IADLs only. Empirical evidence regarding type of help used and reason for not performing a task enables understanding of sociocultural and structural influence on functional ability. Discussion: The underlying assumption of ADL and IADL instruments that an individual will perform an activity given physical or cognitive ability is questioned. It is suggested that sociocultural and structural factors are strong determinants of task performance.