Investigation of the effect of sociodemographic, psychological and quality of life factors on dual task performance in elderly individuals: A sectional study in Iraq

Investigation of the effect of sociodemographic, psychological and quality of life factors on dual task performance in elderly individuals: a sectional study in Iraq, (Master's Thesis), Çankırı, 2024. This cross-sectional study examined the effects of sociodemographic factors, psychological state, and quality of life on dual-task performance among individuals aged 60 and over in Iraq. The research analyzed data collected from 384 participants using the Demographic Features Form, the Depression Anxiety Stress-21 (DASS-21), the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Short Form (WHOQOL-Bref). The DASS-21 revealed negative correlations between levels of depression and anxiety with dual-task performance (respectively, r = -0.133, p = 0.009 and r = -0.183, p < 0.001), while no significant relationship was found with the stress scale (r = -0.053, p = 0.301). Positive correlations were observed between the physical, psychological, social relations, and environmental dimensions of the WHOQOL-Bref sub-scales and dual-task performance (respectively, r = 0.218, p < 0.001; r = 0.194, p < 0.001; r = 0.186, p < 0.001; r = 0.246, p < 0.001). These findings suggest that quality of life factors can support dual-task performance in the elderly, while psychological challenges may negatively affect performance. No significant relationship was found between MAAS and performance (r = -0.005, p = 0.926). Regression analyses particularly highlighted the Physical Health sub-scale of WHOQOL-Bref as a significant predictor for dual-task performance (Beta = 0.234, p = 0.041). These results indicate that the physical health and quality of life of elderly individuals can contribute to their dual-task performance, while psychological symptoms may have a hindering effect. The findings underscore the importance of developing comprehensive support programs and intervention strategies for the elderly.