Prevalence of intrinsic capacity impairment and associated factors among retired older people in Cameroon.

Background: Early identification of older adults at increased risk for functional decline remains challenging in the majority of African countries. We aimed to determine the prevalence of intrinsic capacity (IC) impairment and associated factors among a group of retired Cameroonians.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included retired individuals aged 60 years or older. We collected sociodemographic data and geriatric syndromes. The Integrated Care to Older People (ICOPE) screening tool was used to assess the domains of IC. Multivariable regression analysis was used to assess factors associated with IC impairment.

Results: A total of 375 older adults underwent baseline step 1 screening (42.7% Male; mean age 67.9 ± 6.03 years), of whom 356 (94.9%) had a positive result. Step 2 assessment was conducted in 281 participants (78.9%), confirming IC impairment in 182 individuals (48.5%). The most frequently impaired domains were cognition (49.8%), vision (44.8%), and hearing (43.1%). In univariable analysis, participants with IC impairment were more likely to be older (mean age 69.03 ± 6.58 vs. 66.8 ± 5.04 years; p = 0.037), have lower educational level (p< .001), report comorbidities (p =.031), a history of falls (p = .035), and sleep disorders (p = 0.019). Male participants were more likely to have preserved IC compared to females (p =.033). After adjusting for age and sex, factors associated with IC impairment included low educational level [odds ratio (OR) 3.04; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.4-6.7], history of falls (OR 4.02; 95% CI: 1.11-14.6), and sleep disorders (OR 2.9; 95% CI: 1.4-6.2).

Conclusion: Identification of older at risk of IC impairment in Cameroon may help tailor further policies for Healthy Aging taking into account available resources.