Disparities in self-reported activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living disability among Asian American subgroups in the United States: results from the National Health Interview Survey 2001-2003.

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to compare disability and functional limitations among elderly Asian American subgroups using datasets from the National Health Interview Survey 2001-2003. METHODS This retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed whether activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental ADL (IADL) disabilities were different among Asian American subgroups in the United States using data retrieved from the 2001-2003 National Health Interview Survey. For comparing all Asian American subgroups, χ(2) analysis was applied for the bivariate comparisons. RESULTS Rates of 7.1% and 12.2% for ADL and IADL disability, respectively, within Asian American group were found. The elder Chinese subgroup accounted for the highest ADL and IADL disability (11.6% and 17.3%, respectively, p < .05). Being female, not married, and older was associated with higher ADL and IADL disability (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS The findings of the study highlight the intergroup variability among the elder Asian American subpopulations.