Prevalence of Cognitive Impairment and its Associated Factors among Institutionalized Senior Citizens: A Cross-sectional Study

A BSTRACT Background: The global elderly population is increasing steadily. The impact of this increasing elderly population on the healthcare system of low- and middle-income countries is huge. Cognitive impairment (CI) is a common geriatric healthcare problem that needs to be tackled urgently. The present study aims to assess the prevalence and associated factors of CI among institutionalized senior citizens. Materials and Methods: A nonexperimental research design with a descriptive cross-sectional survey approach was used. Using a purposive sampling technique, five old-age homes in Ernakulam district were selected for the study. Formal permission for the study was obtained from the institutional ethics committee and old-age home authorities. A total of 236 senior citizens participated in the study. Informed consent was taken from individual participants. Socio-personal data and cognition of senior citizens were collected using socio-personal data sheet and Montreal Cognitive Assessment, respectively, through interviews. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The average age of participants was 72.76 ± 9.17. Only 9% of participants had normal cognition. Most participants either had mild cognitive decline (45%) or moderate cognitive decline (42%). The mean cognitive score was found to be 16.59 ± 5.12. Educated senior citizens having phone contact with relatives and participating in leisure activities for more than 15 min a day were found to be at lower risk of developing CI. Conclusion: The current study points to the alarming situation of senior citizens in Kerala. Yet the study imparts hope that through lifestyle modifications (education, leisure activities, and frequent contact with relatives), we can reduce the prevalence of CI among senior citizens.