Frailty and Related Factors Based On A Multidimensional Assessment In People 70 Years Old Or Over

Abstract

1.1 Introduction: The Healthcare Plan for the Elderly (PAM) of the Basque Public Health Service (Osakidetza) determines different typologies of people ≥ 70 years of age based on a multidimensional assessment. The objective is to learn about the prevalence of frailty and its relationship with other variables of the assessment. 1.2 Material and methods: Cross-sectional study with a sample of 666 people (569 with a certain typology determined) ≥70 years of age from 7 healthcare centres, selected by random sampling. Different typologies were determined based on functionality (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living - IADL, Lawton-Brody Index; Basic Activities of Daily Living - BADL, Barthel Index), existence of chronic diseases, and life expectancy 59, life expectancy > 6 months), ‘dependent’, and ‘at the end of life’. 1.3 Results: The 19.2% (95% CI 16.1-22.6%) were frail. Frailty was significantly related (p 80 years old versus 27.2% non-frail), physical inactivity (57.1 versus 15.4%), previous falls (58.4% versus 34.2%) and number of chronic medications (median 13 versus 8). It was also related to certain pathologies (cardiovascular, osteoarticular) and visual deficit. Detection through the assessment of IADL is closely related to the Timed Up and Go Test (p < 0.001). 1.4 Conclusions: In order to detect frailty, it is important to consider older age, physical inactivity, certain comorbidity (cardiovascular, osteoarticular, sensory) and polypharmacy. IADL and performance-based tests show very good correlation.