Prevalence and factors associated with frailty in older adults with hypertension using the Edmonton Frail Scale and the Clinical Functional Vulnerability Index-20

Abstract

Objective To assess the prevalence of frailty and compare the variables associated with frailty in Brazilian community-dwelling older adults with hypertension using the Edmonton Frail Scale (EFS) and the Clinical Functional Vulnerability Index-20 (IVCF-20). Methods This is a cross-sectional analytical study conducted with community-dwelling older adults with hypertension aged ≥60 years residing in the city of Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Sample selection followed a probabilistic cluster sampling model. Data were collected between November 2016 and February 2017 through in-home questionnaire administration. Demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical-care variables were analyzed. Poisson regression with robust variance was used to obtain crude and adjusted prevalence ratios. Results A total of 281 older adults with hypertension participated in the study. The overall prevalence of frailty as assessed by the EFS was 31.3%, and by the IVCF-20 was 22.1%. Variables that were statistically associated with frailty in older adults with hypertension, as determined by both the EFS and IVCF-20 simultaneously, were: advanced age (80 years or older), comorbidities such as rheumatoid arthritis/osteoarthritis, stroke, negative self-perception of health, falls, and hospitalizations in the last 12 months. Only by the EFS, variables associated with frailty included less than 4 years of education, absence of religious practice, and lack of personal income. Meanwhile, according to the IVCF-20, only monthly family income was associated with frailty. Conclusion It was found that frailty assessed by EFS and IVCF-20 exhibits similarity; however, EFS is more sensitive. These findings underscore the imperative for healthcare professionals to early identify frailty.