Correlates of institutionalization among the oldest old-Evidence from the multicenter AgeCoDe-AgeQualiDe study

Objectives There is a lack of studies identifying the correlates of institutionalization specifically among the oldest old. Therefore, our aim was to fill this gap in knowledge. Methods Cross-sectional data (Follow up wave 9; n = 633 observations in the analytical sample) were used from the multicenter prospective cohort study Needs, health service use, costs and health-related quality of life in a large sample of oldest-old primary care patients (85+) Correlates of institutionalization among the oldest old-Evidence from a multicenter cohort study. The sample consists of primary care patients aged 86 years and over (mean 90.5 years, SD: 2.9 years). Sociodemographic and health-related independent variables were included in our regression model. Institutionalization was defined as living in a nursing home or an old-age home (not including assisted living facilities). Results Out of the 633 participants, 502 individuals (79.3%) did not live in an institutionalized setting, whereas 73 individuals (20.7%) lived in an institutionalized setting. Multiple logistic regressions showed that the likelihood of institutionalization increased with being divorced/widowed/single (compared to being married; OR: 5.35 [95% CI: 1.75-16.36]), the presence of social isolation (OR: 2.07 [1.20-3.59]), more depressive symptoms (OR: 1.11 [1.01-1.23]), increased cognitive impairment (OR: 1.67 [1.31-2.15]) and higher levels of frailty (OR: 1.48 [1.07-2.06]). Conclusion The study findings identified various sociodemographic and health-related factors associated with institutionalization among the oldest old. Longitudinal studies are required to gain further insights into these associations.

Automated summary

The study identified factors like marital status, social isolation, depressive symptoms, cognitive impairment, and frailty that are associated with institutionalization among the oldest old. Longitudinal studies are needed for further insights.