Open AccessGeriatric syndromes in an urban elderly population in Cameroon: a focus on disability, sarcopenia and cognitive impairment
Author(s) -
Marie Josiane Ntsama Essomba,
Daniel Atsa,
Dimitri Zogo Noah,
Marylin Zingui-Ottou,
Ginette Paula,
Jan René Nkeck,
Jean Jacques Noubiap,
Gloria Ashuntantang
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
the pan african medical journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.287
H-Index - 30
ISSN - 1937-8688
DOI - 10.11604/pamj.2020.37.229.26634
Subject(s) - medicine , polypharmacy , sarcopenia , geriatrics , gerontology , activities of daily living , cognitive impairment , functional illiteracy , population , cross sectional study , quality of life (healthcare) , cognition , physical therapy , psychiatry , environmental health , nursing , pathology , political science , law
geriatric syndromes are multifactorial conditions that are associated with substantial disability, poor quality of life and mortality in the elderly. The patterns of these conditions are poorly described in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and correlates of common geriatric syndromes in Cameroon. Methods we conducted a cross-sectional study in the geriatrics unit of a university hospital in Cameroon. All people aged ≥55 who attended a health promotion and screening campaign in September 2019 were included. Geriatric syndromes including functional decline, cognitive impairment and sarcopenia were assessed. We also examined sociodemographic characteristics and comorbidities. Results overall, 104 participants were enrolled with median age of 65 (IQR: 62.2 - 70.8). About 67% of participants presented at least one geriatric syndrome. Disability in activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living were present in 10% and 38% of participants respectively and associated factors were male gender (OR 4.7, p=0.005), age 75 and above (OR 5.7, p=0.027), osteoarthritis (OR 3.3, p=0.055) and polypharmacy (OR 7.7, p=0.012). Sarcopenia occurs in 26% with female gender (OR 3.1, p=0.029) and SARC-F ≥4 (OR 4.9, p=0.002) as associated factors. Cognitive impairment was present in 20% of participants and associated with illiteracy (p=0.008). Conclusion our study shows a high prevalence of geriatric syndromes in older adults in an urban area. Geriatric principles and frailty awareness should be considered in clinical care of older adults in our setting.