RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ANTHROPOMETRY, BIOMEDICAL INDICATORS, FUNCTIONALITY, AND COGNITIVE STATUS IN ELDERLY PEOPLE ATTENDING DAY CARE CENTERS IN THE MUNICIPALITIES OF SAN CARLOS AND CHILLÁN, ÑUBLE, CHILE

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the relationship between anthropometry and biomedical indicators with functionality and cognitive capacity variables in older adults attending day care centers in the municipalities of San Carlos and Chillán, Ñuble Region, Chile. Materials and Methods: Quantitative, analytical, cross-sectional study conducted with 42 older adults from day care centers in San Carlos and Chillán in the Ñuble Region, Chile. After obtaining informed consent, the following measurements were taken anthropometric (weight, height, BMI, waist circumference) and biomedical (blood pressure, heart rate). In addition, to assess functionality and
cognitive status, the EFAM Part A questionnaire and the Mini-Mental State Examination were administered
using a Google Forms format. Data confidentiality was ensured. The analysis was performed using Jamovi
2.3.28 software with descriptive statistics (mean, SD) and inferential statistics (Chi-square and Student’s
t-test). Results: BMI was associated with upper body functionality (p= 0.03), and temporal orientation was
associated with heart rate (p= 0.01). However, significant differences were observed between heart rate and overall cognitive status (p= 0.02), as well as between blood pressure and upper body functionality (p= 0.02). Conclusion: Significant associations were found between anthropometric measurements and between biomedical indicators and specific aspects of the participants’ functionality and cognitive ability.