Prevalence of cognitive impairment and related factors among the elderly living alone in Phu Vang district, Thua Thien Hue province in 2021

Abstract

A cross - sectional study was conducted on 366 elderly (60 years old and older) living alone in Phu Vang district, Thua Thien Hue province to determine the prevalence of cognitive impairment using structured questionnaires. The MMSE and PSQI scales were used to measure cognitive decline and sleep quality among the elderly, respectively. Results show that 39.6% of the subjects have cognitive impairment, 6.3%, 18.0%, and 15.3% among which have severe, moderate, and mild cognitive impairment, respectively. Advanced age (OR = 1.055; p = 0.022), lack of care from family (OR = 2.803; p = 0.001), not participating in spiritual and religious activities (OR = 7.535; p = 0.003), poor sleep quality (OR = 2.437; p = 0.033), smoking (OR = 1.990; p = 0.008), and poor economic conditions (OR = 2.046; p = 0.007) are the factors that increase the rate of cognitive impairment among the elderly living alone. The government should promote cultural, spiritual, and religious activities, ensure a minimum standard of living and improve the economic conditions of the elderly living alone. In addition, educational courses and health care services should be organized to reduce the risk of cognitive decline.