Prevalence and Factors Associated with Possible Cognitive Impairment Among Elderly in Primary Care Unit of Panyananthaphikkhu Chonprathan Medical Center

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Background: Thailand has entered an aging society, so the prevalence of dementia is increasing. Dementia patients progressively decline in independence. Complications occur easily, require many resources with a high mortality rate. Therefore, our research team is interested in finding the prevalence and factors associated with dementia among the elderly in the Primary Care Unit of Panyananthaphikkhu Chonprathan Medical Center so that we can screen and take care of our patients appropriately.

Design:  Quantitative, cross-sectional study

Methods: This was a quantitative, cross-sectional study. Collecting data from patients who are 60 years old and above, currently living in areas that are within the responsibility of the Primary Care Unit of Panyananthaphikkhu Chonprathan Medical Center from  September 1, 2024 to October 31, 2024.  Demographic characteristics and potential risk factors were assessed by questionnaire, and dementia screening was performed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (Thai 2002 Version). The data obtained were analyzed using Pearson chi-square test to distinguish differences between the possible cognitive Impairment group and not suspected of having cognitive Impairment group and using univariable and multivariable binary logistic regression models for factors associated with possible cognitive Impairment.

Results:  Three hundred and thirty- one participants were studied. Fifty-seven males and 274 females. 92.4% are younger than 80 years old. The prevalence of possible cognitive Impairment was 2.1 percent. Statistically significant factors are inability to read (crude odd ratio (OR) 5.94, 95%CI: 1.08-32.55, p = 0.040) and inability to write (OR 13.04, 95%CI: 1.26-134.77, p = 0.031).

Conclusions:  The prevalence of possible cognitive Impairment among elderly in primary care unit of Panyananthaphikkhu Chonprathan Medical Center Srinakharinwirot University was 2.1 percent. Statistically significant factors were the inability to read and write. Future research may use these finding to plan for more suitable screening and activities for prevention for patients at risk.

Keywords:  elderly dementia prevalence