Caspian Journal of Internal Medicine
Babol University of Medical Sciences
Mon, Sep 7, 2026
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Volume 17, Issue 3 (Summer 2026)
Caspian J Intern Med 2026, 17(3): 572-581 |
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Ethics code: MUBABOL.HRI.REC.1401.134 IR
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Nikbakht H, Bakhtiari A, Tamadoni N, Sivan M, GHorbanzadeh M. Associations of Intrinsic Capacity with COVID-19 Infection and Late Complications in the Older Adult Population. Caspian J Intern Med 2026; 17 (3) :572-581
URL: http://caspjim.com/article-1-4970-en.html
URL: http://caspjim.com/article-1-4970-en.html
Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran , afbakhtiari@gmail.com
Abstract: (13 Views)
Background: Intrinsic capacity (IC) decline, infection susceptibility, and post-COVID sequelae in older adults, intensified by the pandemic, demand probing IC domains' infection/outcome links and population-level strategies for sustaining functional health.
Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 600 older adults. IC was assessed using the World Health Organization’s ICOPE framework. Post-COVID-19 condition was defined according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria, and late complications were evaluated via the culturally adapted and validated Persian C19-YRS questionnaire. COVID-19 infection status was confirmed through polymerase chain reaction testing of nasopharyngeal swabs or serological antibody assays. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS Version 22, including independent t-tests, analysis of variance, and regression models.
Results: Overall, most participants demonstrated relatively preserved IC across domains, although greater variability was observed in the psychological domain. In multivariable analysis, higher scores in the psychological IC domain were independently associated with COVID-19 infection (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.00–1.08). Lower cognitive and sensory IC scores were significantly associated with poorer functional ability (B = −0.35, 95% CI: −0.66 to −0.04; and B = −0.50, 95% CI: −0.90 to −0.10, respectively), while higher sensory IC scores were associated with better general health among participants with post-COVID-19 complications (B = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.01–0.47).
Conclusion: These findings indicate meaningful associations between IC and both COVID-19 infection status and post-infectious health outcomes in older adults. Monitoring and supporting IC may be relevant for maintaining functional independence and quality of life in ageing populations during and after widespread infectious disease outbreaks.
Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 600 older adults. IC was assessed using the World Health Organization’s ICOPE framework. Post-COVID-19 condition was defined according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria, and late complications were evaluated via the culturally adapted and validated Persian C19-YRS questionnaire. COVID-19 infection status was confirmed through polymerase chain reaction testing of nasopharyngeal swabs or serological antibody assays. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS Version 22, including independent t-tests, analysis of variance, and regression models.
Results: Overall, most participants demonstrated relatively preserved IC across domains, although greater variability was observed in the psychological domain. In multivariable analysis, higher scores in the psychological IC domain were independently associated with COVID-19 infection (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.00–1.08). Lower cognitive and sensory IC scores were significantly associated with poorer functional ability (B = −0.35, 95% CI: −0.66 to −0.04; and B = −0.50, 95% CI: −0.90 to −0.10, respectively), while higher sensory IC scores were associated with better general health among participants with post-COVID-19 complications (B = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.01–0.47).
Conclusion: These findings indicate meaningful associations between IC and both COVID-19 infection status and post-infectious health outcomes in older adults. Monitoring and supporting IC may be relevant for maintaining functional independence and quality of life in ageing populations during and after widespread infectious disease outbreaks.
Policy Brief: Original Article |
Subject:
Health
Received: 2025/11/3 | Accepted: 2026/01/20 | Published: 2026/06/9
Received: 2025/11/3 | Accepted: 2026/01/20 | Published: 2026/06/9
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