Nursing Home Residents

Abstract

Background: Frailty is a state of increased vulnerability with multisystem loss of physiologic reserves and decreased response to stressors, predicting adverse health outcomes. The phenotype of frailty is characterized by: Unintentional weight loss, selfreported exhaustion, weakness (low grip strength), slow walking speed, and low physical activity. This study aimed at assessing the prevalence and characteristics of frailty in a sample of institutionalized older people in order to identify a target intervention group.Methods: This is a descriptive cross sectional and correlational study. Participants were 226 men and women living in nursing home facilities. Frailty was assessed using the phenotype of frailty. Socio-demographic, health status, physical and cognitive function and depression data was collected. Relations between variables were analyzed using parametric (T-test, Pearson coefficient) and non-parametric (Chi-square and Spearman's coefficient) tests. A multiple linear regression model was applied to assess the relationship between the frailty criteria and a set of predictor variables. Results: Assessment of frailty was possible in 35.3% of the subjects and 41.5% were found frail, 52.1% pre-frail and 6.4% non-frail. Three frailty criteria had higher prevalence: Weakness (76.6%), low physical activity (61.7%) and low walking speed (52.1%). The number of frailty criteria per subject was significantly correlated with cognitive status and depressive symptoms and there was weak, though significant, correlation with the Barthel Index. Participants in frailty tests had a better functional and cognitive state than those unable to participate.No significant difference in depressive symptoms was found between these two groups.The multiple regression model explained only 21.6% of the variation of frailty.Conclusions: Subjects revealed low social status, advanced age comorbidity and multifactorial incapacity. Frail and pre-frail elderly stand out like a "stronger" subset in the sample, as opposed to the usual findings in community dwelling older adults. These 3 facts should help to recognize them as a target intervention group, as frail elderly are vulnerable and their needs might be underestimated and underrecognized. . Targeted interventions may improve their condition and prevent adverse health events.