Prevalence and Correlates of Mild Cognitive Impairment Among Older Adults in Ho Chi Minh City: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: This study aims to estimate the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and identify associated sociodemographic, lifestyle, and functional factors among older adults attending outpatient care in a secondary-level clinical setting in Vietnam. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2024 to February 2025. Participants were adults aged 60 years or older, literate in Vietnamese, and able to complete the cognitive screening protocol. Data were collected through structured interviews, medical record reviews, and assessments using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scale. Results: Of the 631 participants, 30.1% screened positive for MCI. Factors significantly associated with MCI included older age, being unmarried, unstable income, lower educational attainment, reduced recreational activity, and lower IADL scores. Multivariable logistic regression analysis confirmed these associations, with older age and reduced recreational activity showing the strongest links to MCI. Conclusion: The high prevalence of MCI among older outpatients highlights the need for integrating cognitive and social-functional screening into outpatient care. Addressing social vulnerabilities and promoting recreational activities may help mitigate cognitive decline in this population.