Lifestyle factors and incident functional disability among a rural ageing population in South Africa.

Abstract

The study aimed to assess the relationship between lifestyle factors and incident functional disability in South Africa. Longitudinal data (N = 4113) from two consecutive waves in 2014/2015 and 2018/2019 in Agincourt, South Africa, were analysed. Moderate sedentary behaviour (AOR: 1.84, 95% CI: 1.31-2.58) and being overweight (AOR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.10-2.36) increased the odds of incident functional disability among men. Moderate and high sedentary behaviour (AOR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.31, 2.57, and AOR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.08-3.10) increased the odds, and frequent fruit intake (AOR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.19-0.91) and moderate physical activity (AOR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.30-0.75) decreased the odds of incident functional disability among women. Sedentary behaviour and being overweight increased odds, and physical activity and frequent fruit intake decreased odds of incident functional disability among ageing men and/or women in South Africa.