Factors influencing cognitive decline in living alone by the residence characteristics: A longitudinal study

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the risk factors of cognitive decline in older adults living alone local communities and find nursing methods by area residence. Methods: The participants were 164 people for 12 years. data analyzed using a generalized estimating equations method. Results: following identified as statistically significant predictors that increased alone: 1) rural areas: age (odds ratio [OR]=1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.01~1.02), low education (OR=1.53, CI=1.13~2.07), number diseases (OR=1.07, CI=1.01~1.14), 2) urban women (OR=1.27, CI=1.09~1.49), (OR=1.02, CI=1.01~1.03), (OR=1.26, CI=1.14~1.40), body mass index (OR=0.98, CI=0.96~0.99), instrumental activities daily CI=1.00~1.04), depressive symptom (OR=1.14, CI=1.03~1.25). Conclusion: who lived had different depending on their areas Preventive management should be presented according residence among alone.