Background: The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected elderly populations, accelerating physical decline and functional dependency through movement restrictions, reduced healthcare access, and social isolation. This study examines the sociodemographic predictors of physical and sensory health limitations among elderly individuals in rural Bangladesh during the pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was employed using data from Survey-2021. Elderly participants aged 60 years and above (n = insert total N) were included. Sociodemographic variables analyzed included age, sex, religion, educational status, employment status, family type, monthly family income, and length of living with a spouse. Health outcomes assessed were limitations in vigorous activity, moderate activity, activities of daily living (bathing/dressing), hearing loss, and vision power decline. Statistical analysis included chi-square tests, Binary Logistic Regression (BLR), and multinomial regression, with Adjusted Odds Ratios (AOR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) reported. Results: Age (≥66 years) was a significant predictor of limitations in vigorous activity (AOR 1.97; P = 0.002) and difficulties in bathing/dressing ( P = 0.002). Illiteracy was significantly associated with limitations in vigorous activity (AOR 1.71; P = 0.028) and moderate activity. Religion was associated with limitations in vigorous activity, moderate activity, and sensory deficits ( P < 0.05). Severe hearing loss was predicted by religion (AOR 0.516), employment (AOR 0.462), and nuclear family type (AOR 0.482). Vision power decline was significantly associated with religion, educational status, and length of spousal co-residence ( P = 0.000). Conclusion: Sociodemographic factors particularly advanced age, illiteracy, religion, employment status, and family structure are significant predictors of physical and sensory health limitations among elderly populations in rural Bangladesh during the COVID-19 pandemic. Strengthening family-based and community social support systems is essential to mitigate health deterioration in this vulnerable group.
Jabbar et al. (Thu,) studied this question.
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