Prevalence of impaired functional reading ability and its association with quality of life, daily activity, mobility and social participation among general older adults in Germany

BMC Geriatrics

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[1] 0000 0001 2180 3484, grid.13648.38, Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany;grid.5603.0, Department Epidemiology of Health Care and Community Health, Institute for Community Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Ellernholzstraße 1-2, D-17487, Greifswald, Germany;grid.5603.0, Department of Ophthalmology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany;grid.5603.0, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany;grid.5603.0, Department of Study of Health in Pomerania / Clinical-Epidemiological Research, Institute for Community Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany;

关键词: Functional reading ability;    Elderly;    Study of health in Pomerania;    Nieden reading chart;    Daily activities;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12877-019-1191-2

来源: publisher

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundThe prevalence of visual impairment and of impaired functional reading ability rapidly increase with age. However, functional reading ability is essential for an autonomous lifestyle. We analyzed the prevalence of impaired functional reading ability in the general elderly population and the association of impaired functional reading ability with quality of life, daily activities, mobility, and social participation.MethodsCross-sectional data from a population-based cohort were analyzed. Participants aged ≥65 years were tested for their functional reading ability using (1) Nieden charts (cognitive reading ability) and (2) a test in which a telephone number had to be found (reading comprehension). Prevalences of impaired functional reading ability were calculated. In multivariable regression models, the associations of cognitive reading ability (1) with quality of life, daily activities, mobility, and social participation were examined.Results60 of 780 participants (7.69%) were able to read the third last text of the Nieden test (good cognitive reading ability), whereas 7 participants (0.9%) were unable to read any of the texts. 716 participants (91.8%) identified the phone book entry successfully (good reading comprehension). Multivariable regression models revealed no significant associations of the cognitive reading ability (1) with quality of life, daily activities, social participation, and mobility.ConclusionOur results showed a high prevalence of impaired cognitive reading ability (1). Reading comprehension (2) was slightly affected. The loss of cognitive reading ability usually progresses over years; signs and symptoms might remain unrecognized when compensated by other functions.

【 授权许可】

CC BY