摘要：Purpose: This study was conducted to determine the functional autonomy level of preoperative elderly patients.Method and materials: In this descriptive and cross-sectional study, the statistical sample comprised 153 preoperative elderly patients who were hospitalized at a university hospital general surgery, neurosurgery, urological, and orthopaedic clinics in Ankara. Data were collected using a personal information form, which was based on the researcher’s work and the Functional Autonomy Measurement System. Data were obtained through face-to-face interviews conducted between October 1 and December 31, 2012.Results: Patients’ total scale median score was -4.5 (min:-60, max:0), activities of daily living subscale median score was -3.5 (min:-53, max:0), communication subscale median score was 0.0 (min:-4, max:0), and mental functions subscale median score was -1.0 (min:-3, max:0). The factors affecting the level of functional independence the most were as follows (in order): using walking aids, polypharmacy, education status, nutrition status, and participation in social activities. While use of walking aids and polypharmacy have the most effect on decrease in functional independence level; primary school and higher education, regular nutritional status and participation in social activities have the most effect on increase in functional independence level.Conclusions: In this study, the functional independence level of the elderly patients was on the border of the maximal scale score.
