Prevalence and factors associated with frailty in older hospitalized patients: a point-prevalence study

Kaçmaz H. Y., Döner A., Kahraman H., Akin S.

REVISTA CLÍNICA ESPAÑOLA, vol.223, no.2, pp.67-76, 2023 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 223 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2023
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.rceng.2022.10.001
  • Journal Name: REVISTA CLÍNICA ESPAÑOLA
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CAB Abstracts, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Veterinary Science Database, DIALNET
  • Page Numbers: pp.67-76
  • Keywords: Frailty, Hospitalized, Older persons, Prevalence
  • Erciyes University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Objectives

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with frailty in older hospitalized patients.

Methods

The point-prevalence study was completed on 263 patients aged 65 and over hospitalized in internal medicine and surgical clinics at a tertiary hospital in Türkiye. Data were collected between July 19th and July 22nd, 2021. A comprehensive geriatric assessment was performed on the participants. The Edmonton Frailty Scale (EFS) and FRAIL scale were used for frailty assessment.

Results

The mean age of the individuals was 72.40 ± 6.42, 51.7% were female, and 63.9% were hospitalized in internal medicine and surgical units. The prevalence of frailty was 57.4% according to the FRAIL scale and 46.8% according to EFS. Factors affecting frailty were gender (OR 3.36, 95% CI 1.48-7.64), comorbidity (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.01-1.64), polypharmacy (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.13-0.80), history of falling in the last year (OR 3.54, 95% CI 1.34-9.35), incontinence (OR 5.93, 95% CI 2.47-14.27), and functional dependency (ADL, OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.46-0.92; IADL, OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.46-0.76). This model correctly predicted the participants’ frailty at 70.5%.

Conclusions

The importance of frailty, which affects one out of every two hospitalized older persons, to the health care system should not be overlooked. Considering the increasing trend of the aging person population, national and global plans should be made to prevent and manage frailty.