Dementia prevalence among nursing home residents: a national study in Jordan

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of dementia among nursing home residents has been extensively investigated in developed countries but remains underexplored in Jordan. AIM: To determine dementia prevalence and examine factors associated with dementia among residents of nursing homes in Jordan. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a sample composed of all 366 residents of all nine licensed nursing homes in Jordan. A neurologist interviewed residents and assessed their cognition, function and behavioural symptoms. This was complemented by information from residents' medical records and interviews with one member of staff per resident. Factors associated with dementia were explored using a matched case-control approach. RESULTS: The overall dementia prevalence was 25%, with a higher prevalence among female residents and residents aged 65 years and older. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed statistically significant associations between dementia and age, smoking status and number of comorbidities. The number of comorbidities was inversely associated with dementia. CONCLUSION: This study provides the first national estimate of dementia prevalence among nursing home residents in Jordan. Dementia prevalence was lower than that reported in many developed countries, but Jordan's population is rapidly ageing so dementia prevalence is likely to increase in the coming years.