Impact of Sociodemographic, Psychological, and Quality of Life Factors on Dual-Task Performance in Elderly Iraqis
NCT Number: NCT06476561
Acronym: SociQ-DT
Status: COMPLETED
Study Type: OBSERVATIONAL
Conditions: Cognitive Dysfunction|Motor Skills Disorders|Aging
Interventions: OTHER: - Sociodemographic Assessment - Psychological Assessment - Quality of Life Assessment - D
Sponsor: Çankırı Karatekin University
Sex: ALL
Age: ADULT, OLDER_ADULT
Enrollment: 384
Study Design: Observational Model: |Time Perspective: p
Start Date: 2024-03-01
Completion Date: 2024-05-10
Locations: Ceyhun Türkmen, Yenimahalle, Ankara, Turkey

Summary:
This study investigates the impact of sociodemographic, psychological, and quality of life factors on dual-task performance in elderly individuals living in Iraq. Dual-task performance, the ability to perform two tasks simultaneously, is a crucial indicator of cognitive and motor functions in older adults. This research aims to understand how factors such as age, gender, education, income, mental health (depression, anxiety, and stress), mindfulness, and overall quality of life influence the ability of elderly individuals to manage dual tasks, which is essential for maintaining independence and preventing falls.

The study hypothesizes that better physical health and quality of life will be associated with improved dual-task performance, while higher levels of psychological distress may negatively impact this ability. Data were collected from 384 healthy community-dwelling elderly participants aged 60 and above in Najaf, Iraq, using validated tools such as the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21), the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Form (WHOQOL-BREF). Dual-task performance was assessed through the Nine-Hole Peg Test (NHPT) combined with a cognitive task of counting backward by threes.

The findings from this study will provide valuable insights into the factors that affect cognitive and motor functions in the elderly, helping to inform the development of targeted interventions and policies aimed at improving the quality of life and care for Iraq's aging population. Understanding these influences is crucial for enhancing elderly care, preventing falls, supporting cognitive health, and informing policies to improve the quality of life for Iraq's aging population.

Primary Outcome Measures: Dual-Task Performance, The primary outcome measure is the dual-task performance, assessed by the time taken to complete the Nine-Hole Peg Test (NHPT) while simultaneously performing a cognitive task of counting backward by threes.

This metric characterizes the impact of cognitive load on motor performance, with higher DTC values indicating greater difficulty in managing dual tasks., The measurement is assessed at a single point in time during the participant's enrollment visit, immediately following the completion of both single-task and dual-task conditions.
Secondary Outcome Measures: Psychological Distress Levels, Measurement of participants' levels of depression, anxiety, and stress using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21). Scores are calculated for each subscale (depression, anxiety, and stress) based on participants' responses, providing insight into the psychological well-being of the elderly population and its potential association with dual-task performance., The measurement is assessed at a single point in time during the participant's enrollment visit, immediately following the completion of the DASS-21 questionnaire.