Factors influencing living space utilization among older Afro-Colombian adults

ABSTRACT

Objectives

Investigate the factors influencing life space utilization in older Afro-descendant adults residing in Tumaco, Colombia – a marginalized region of the country.

Design

This cross-sectional study included 388 Afro-descendant older adults. The study assessed living space using the Life Space Assessment (LSA) scale and collected demographic data. Cognitive levels were measured with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and depressive symptoms were assessed using the Yesavage scale. Socio-emotional indicators were determined with the Medical Outcomes Study (MOS). The research employed linear and logistic regression models for data analysis.

Results

On average, participants scored 27.0 on the LSA scale. A lack of perceived income resulted in a 10.44-point decrease on the LSA scale. For each unit increase in the MOS-Instrumental Dimension score, the LSA score increased by 0.52 points (95% CI 0.17–0.87). As for cognitive performance (MMSE scale), each one-point increase resulted in a 0.69 decrease in the LSA score (95% CI −1.25 to −0.12).

Conclusion

Socioeconomic disadvantages limit living space utilization, particularly in the Afro-descendant population. Yet, social support can enhance living space use despite environmental and economic constraints.

KEYWORDS:

• Living space
• elderly
• demographic factors
• depressive symptoms
• social support

Data accessibility statement

All data can be found here: https://osf.io/ayb6d/?view_only=15395f1bb3094d60873f0748cde4f6f8

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Ethics approval and consent to participate

The study was approved by the Bioethics Committee of Universidad Mariana through Agreement #216 of September 17th of 2021 in Faculty council of Humanities and Social Sciences. All participants gave written informed consent.

Notes

1 In Colombia, the population is divided into socioeconomic strata, commonly referred to as ‘estrato socioeconómico’ or simply ‘estrato.’ This classification system is used to stratify households and areas based on their income, living conditions, and infrastructure. It is primarily employed for various administrative purposes, including utility billing, public service provision, and urban planning. The Colombian socioeconomic strata range from 1 to 6 being 1 the lowest or poor low income and 6 the highest or high income.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.