Risk of violence and frailty syndrome among older adults treated at a hospital service

Abstract

Objectives: to assess the association between risk of violence and frailty syndrome among hospitalized older adults. Methods: quantitative, analytical and cross-sectional research, carried out with older adults in two university hospitals. Data collection was performed using the Brazil Old Age Schedule, Hwalek-Sengstock Elder Abuse Screening Test and Edmonton Frail Scale instruments. It was analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Results: risk of violence was higher among women (68.9%), over 70 years old (64.7%), with more than 3 years of study (68.9%), without relationship (67.1%), who do not work (65.1%) and with income above 1 minimum wage (65.2%). There is a significant association between risk of violence and frailty (72.3%; p<0.001) and a positive correlation between the instrument scores (r=0.350; p-value<0.001). Conclusions: risk of violence was associated with being female and frailty. The study is expected to encourage further discussions related to the theme and nursing practice.

Síndrome da fragilidade e qualidade de vida em pessoas idosas hospitalizadas

“…Dessa forma, devido às alterações fisiológicas ocasionadas pelo envelhecimento, a pessoa idosa frágil torna-se alguém que requer uma demanda maior de atenção e cuidado, aumentando o seu nível de dependência 2 . Os familiares, por sua vez, por não conseguirem atender as demandas necessárias aos cuidados da pessoa idosa veem como alternativa a internação hospitalar 10 . E a hospitalização, ainda que necessária, pode se tornar uma medida negativa devido a necessidade de adaptação a uma nova rotina e procedimentos, influenciando assim, no seu bemestar e qualidade de vida da pessoa idosa 11 .…”

Frailty syndrome and quality of life in hospitalized older adults

“…Therefore, as a result of the physiological changes induced by aging, frail older adults require a greater level of assistance and care, rendering them more dependent 2 . Family members, unable to meet the care needs of the older individual, resort to hospital admission as an alternative 10 . Hospitalization, albeit necessary, can become a negative measure due to the need for the patient to adapt to the new routine and procedures, affecting their wellbeing and quality of life 11 .…”