Intrinsic Capacity of Rural Elderly in Thar Desert using WHO ICOPE (Integrated Care for Older Persons) Screening Tool: A Pilot Study

Introduction: ICOPE (Integrated Care for Older Persons) screening tool helps to address declines in physical and mental capacities in older people. In India majority of the older population resides in rural areas and there is a paucity of studies that demonstrates the utility of the ICOPE screening tool in India. Thus, this study was conducted to demonstrate the feasibility of using WHO ICOPE screening tool in a rural population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the two villages of Jodhpur. WHO ICOPE screening was done for a comprehensive geriatric assessment of intrinsic capacity by determining cognitive decline, the decline in mobility, malnutrition, sensory loss, depressive symptoms, health risks, social care, and support. Additionally, demographic details and information about health conditions were gathered. Result: A total 451 participants (Male=54.5% and Feamale= 45.5%) surveyed. The mean age was 68.36 (SD=7.73) years and the majority of participants (68.3%) were illiterate. Most of the elderly have good families and lived with their children. Cognitive decline was found to be prevalent in 31.5% (n=142) of the participants, while mobility was diminished in 52.1% (n=235) participants. Eye problems were observed in 49.4% (n=223) participants, while 68.3% (n=308) were observed to be suffering from hearing loss. Limitation in mobility observed with the chair rise test and feeling of pain was found to be significantly associated with gender difference, with more limitation in females than males (p = 0.005; {chi}2 = 7.95) and more pain felt by females than males (p = 0.001; {chi}2 = 15.64). Conclusion: This tool seems suitable in identifying the intrinsic capacity of the rural elderly.