Demographic factors associated with cognitive disorders among older adults in institutional care in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

Cognitive disorders are a growing public health concern in Nigeria; however, little is known about the relationship between demographic characteristics and cognitive functioning among older adults in institutional care. This study examined the association between demographic factors and cognitive disorders among institutionalised older adults in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, drawing on Cognitive Reserve Theory. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among all 109 eligible residents aged 65 years and above in nine registered care facilities, using total population sampling. Cognitive functioning was assessed using an 18-point screening tool adapted from the Mini-Mental State Examination and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Data were analysed using chi-square tests, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and multiple linear regression. The prevalence of cognitive impairment was 68.8%, with most cases classified as mild (61.5%). No demographic factor was significantly associated with cognitive impairment status at the bivariate level. In the multivariable model, the seven predictors jointly explained 59.0% of the variance in cognitive scores, F(7, 92) = 18.93, p < .001. Educational level, age, gender, and length of institutional stay were significant predictors. Higher educational attainment was associated with better cognitive scores, whereas longer institutional stays were associated with lower scores. Routine cognitive screening in care facilities and wider access to adult education are recommended.