CAUSAL MODELING OF THE DETERMINANTS OF FUNCTIONAL STATUS IN UNDERSERVED RURAL ELDERLY (AGING, SELF MAINTENANCE).
Contributors: University of Virginia.
Published: 1995
Number of pages: 180
Subjects: Health Sciences, Nursing.; Gerontology.
Description: The purposes of this dissertation were to construct and evaluate a comprehensive causal model of determinants of functional status, defined as the performance of self-maintenance in rural elderly, using variables related to environment, person, and affective status. The causal model was constructed by utilizing Lawton's ecological conceptual framework, and by examining existing literature about the relationship between functional status and other variables.

This model was evaluated by using LISREL analysis on data collected by the Jefferson Area Rural Elder Health Outreach Program located in Central Virginia. 150 rural elderly subjects were included in this study.

The hypothesized three-construct (physical environment, social environment, and physical condition) measurement model fit the empirical data. The hypothesized structural equation model was respecified and tested to achieve its parsimony and better fit.

The results of LISREL analysis revealed that personal characteristics and affective status were significant and crucial causal factors of functional status in underserved rural elderly in central Virginia. Environmental factors were not significant causal factors of functional status in underserved rural elderly.

The findings of this study provided information for policy makers, health professionals (nurses and clinical practitioners) who work for rural elderly with functional problems, and researchers who develop theories by showing that what dimensions should be prioritized for developing intervention models, for providing clinical intervention, and for attributing health and community resources.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 56-04, Section: B, page: 1940.

Thesis (PH.D.)--UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA, 1995.

School code: 0246.