Intrinsic capacity as proposed by the World Health Organization and 30-month mortality among older adults in long-term care facilities

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the impact of intrinsic capacity on 30-month mortality among older adults living in long-term care facilities (LTCFs). Methods: Prospective cohort study with survival analysis conducted from July 2020 to December 2022 among older adults living in Brazilian LTCFs. At baseline (T0), 209 older residents were evaluated for demographic profile, clinical data (diagnosed diseases and current medications), intrinsic capacity according to ICOPE (cognitive capacity, psychological capacity, hearing capacity, visual capacity, vitality, and locomotor capacity domains), functional capacity (Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living), and frailty (FRAIL scale). At 30 months, mortality in the sample was assessed. Results: At T0, the mean age of residents was 82 (SD, 11.21) years; 65.07% were female, 94.26% were white, and 88.04% had multimorbidity. Overall, 54.07% (n = 113) of residents exhibited changes in four or more domains of intrinsic capacity, with locomotor capacity being the most commonly impaired domain (82.78%); 43.54% were completely dependent for basic activities of daily living, and 42.58% were frail. At 30-month follow-up, 33.49% (n = 70) of residents had died. Survival analysis revealed a statistically significant association between death and impairment in four or more domains of intrinsic capacity (p = 0.044). Conclusion: Impairment in four or more domains of intrinsic capacity is associated with death in LTCF residents.