Abstract
BackgroundThe levels of frailty are anticipated to increase as a result of population aging. A valid instrument is required to detect individuals at high risk of frailty. The present research aimed to assess feasibility, reliability, and construct validity of the Arabic version of Groningen Frailty Indicator (GFI) in urban and rural populations in South Lebanon.MethodsDuring 2015, a cross-sectional study, which enrolled 390 community-dwelling individuals aged 65 years and above, was conducted in urban and rural areas in Nabatieh in South Lebanon. The survey included questions on sociodemographic and health-related characteristics, GFI, and Vulnerable Elders Survey-13 (VES-13). The translation and cultural adaptation of the GFI followed a standardized protocol. After that, the psychometric properties of the scale (i.e., feasibility, reliability, and validity) were evaluated.ResultsA total of 390 elderly filled out the questionnaire, of whom 51% were women and 70% lived in rural areas. 81.3% of elderly were identified as frail. The internal consistency of the GFI scale was high for all subscales (Cronbach’s alpha > 0.70), except the social scale (0.56). The GFI yielded statistically significant scores for subgroup analysis (known-groups validity) as higher levels of frailty were seen in older people, women, those with morbidities, and those reported poor financial status. The construct validity of the scale was supported by the significant correlation with the VES-13 (r = 0.73; p = 0.001), quality of life (r = − 0.22; p = 0.001), and self-reported health status (r = − 0.66; p = 0.001).ConclusionThis study supports the feasibility, reliability, and validity of the GFI Arabic version as a screening tool for frailty among community-dwelling elderly in South Lebanon.
Highlights
Worldwide, the reduction in fertility rate has led to a slow pace in the population growth and higher longevity
The assessment of the proportion of old people in each governorate has showed up wide variations: Beirut and Nabatieh have the highest proportion of elderly people and the largest old-age dependency ratio [5]
The aim of this study is to assess the psychometric properties of the Arabic version Groningen Frailty Indicator (GFI) in terms of feasibility, reliability, and construct validity in urban and rural populations in South Lebanon
Summary
The reduction in fertility rate has led to a slow pace in the population growth and higher longevity. Population aging has led to considerable interests in issues of elderly persons [1, 2]. The factors that reduce vulnerability and disability have effect on the personal level of the elderly and affect their family, society, and environment [2]. In Lebanon, the proportion of old people aged 65 years and higher did not exceed 7% in 1995 and 8% in 2015 [1]. The elderly population is projected to have a profound effect on societies in Lebanon. The levels of frailty are anticipated to increase as a result of population aging. The present research aimed to assess feasibility, reliability, and construct validity of the Arabic version of Groningen Frailty Indicator (GFI) in urban and rural populations in South Lebanon
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