Exploring the Link Between Social Activity Type and Cognitive Frailty Among Nursing Home Residents: Adjusted for Health and Demographic Factors in a Cross-Sectional Study
Chia-Ju Wu, Shiou-Fang Lu, Kuei-Ying Wang, Ji-Ze Hsu, Ya-Chuan HsuPurpose:
The current study examined the association between social activity engagement and cognitive frailty among nursing home residents.
Method:
A cross-sectional study was conducted in two hospital-affiliated nursing homes in southern Taiwan. A convenience sample of 159 residents was recruited. Cognitive frailty was defined as the coexistence of physical frailty, assessed using the Study of Osteoporotic Fracture Index, and mild cognitive impairment, measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Social activity engagement was assessed using the Socially Supportive Activity Inventory, which includes nine activities in long-term care settings.
Results:
In unadjusted analyses, higher participation in religious activities was associated with lower odds of cognitive frailty. After adjusting for age, sex, comorbidities, hyperpolypharmacy, activities of daily living, and depressive symptoms, participation in activities organized by outside organizations and religious activities remained significantly associated with reduced cognitive frailty.
Conclusion:
Social activities involving meaningful and reciprocal interaction may support cognitive health and help prevent cognitive frailty among nursing home residents.