S. C. Gupta Young Scientist Award- 2013

Cognitive functioning of community dwelling urban older adults with reference to socio-demographic variables 

Rakesh Kumar Tripathi^1*and S. C. Tiwari²

¹Assistant Professor cum Clinical Psychologist, ² Professor & Head, Department of Geriatric Mental Health, King George’s Medical University) Lucknow

Email: rastripathi@gmail.com, *Presenting and Communicating Author

Published in Indian Journal of Clinical Psychology, 40(2), 92-102, 2013.

Abstract

Study was conducted to identify socio-demographic variables associated with cognitive functioning of community dwelling urban older adults.  The study is based on a PhD work of the first author carried out alongwith the data collection of ICMR, New Delhi funded research project on same subjects. All houses in randomly selected 2 municipal wards of urban Lucknow were visited. Houses where at least one family member aged 60 years and above was residing were identified and listed. Subjects were included in the study after obtaining written informed consent by the subjects/family members according to inclusion/exclusion criteria.  Hindi Cognitive Screening Test (HCST), Semi-structured socio-demographic proforma and SES scale were administered. A cut off score of 24 was applied to differentiate cognitively impaired subjects from normal.  Thus, an equal number of cognitively impaired (150) and Normal (150) subjects on HCST were finally recruited in a consecutive series. Brief Cognitive Rating Scale was administered on all 300 subjects to assess level of cognitive functioning. As and when required, the family members were cross checked about the information given by the elderly subjects.  The information which was difficult to elicit from the subjects with cognitive impairment were obtained from their family members. Data was analyzed using statistical software SPSS version 12.0. and GraphPad InStat demo version 3.05 Inc year 2000. 

            Results showed age, education, living arrangements and occupation were found to be significantly associated with cognitive functioning of the older adults aged 60 years and above living in an urban community.   

Key Words: BCRS, Cognitive function, HCST, Older adults, Socio-demographic variables