Objective:

analyze the relationship between sociodemographic and clinical variables in patients with cognitive impairment regarding to the place of residence (family home versus institutions), compare their self-perception of health status.

Material and Method:

observational comparative study. The sample was formed by 71 participants; 44 of them were living in their homes and attended to a day center and 27 of them resided in a Social Health Center. Participants were evaluated using the Charlson comorbidity index, Folstein Mini Mental Test (MMSE), verbal fluency test, self-perception of health status using Euro-Qol visual analogue scale and sociodemographic variables included: sex, age, level of studies, marital status and number of children.

Results:

the main results suggest that patients residing in their homes have a worse cognitive state compared to those who lived in Social Health Centers in relation to the MMSE (difference of 3,09 points, p=0,003) and verbal fluency (difference of 3,05 points 5,32, p=0,000). However, their self-perception of health status was higher (difference of 21,22 points, p=0,000).

Conclusions:

patients with cognitive dysfunction who reside in their homes have a better self-perception of their health status compared to those who reside in the Social Health Center. This aspect is of relevance to the improvement of the development of cost-effective strategies that encourage the health of patients with cognitive diseases.

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