Relationship between Frailty and Malnutrition among Elderly Attending Two Primary Health Care Centers in Cairo

Abstract

Background Frailty and malnutrition are interrelated common events associated with aging. They share similar symptoms. Many studies reported that those who are malnourished or who are at risk of malnutrition have an increased risk of frailty and loss of independence. An adequate energy intake may promote elderly`s quality of life (QOL) and prevent frailty in long-term care. Knowing dynamic between these two syndromes can assist in preventing their development and improving elderly QOL. Objective To determine the prevalence of frailty and malnutrition and to investigate the relationship between them. Patients and Methods This study was conducted in two Primary Health care centers (PHCs) in Cairo. It included 264 elderly ≥ 60 years old. Participants underwent an interview questionnaire which included socio-demographic data, medical history, frailty assessment using fried phenotype and nutritional assessment using Mininutritional assessment (MNA). Basic anthropometric measurements including weight and knee height were also done. Results Prevalence of frailty was 62.1% using fried phenotype criteria whereas 29.9% were considered as prefrail. Weakness and exhaustion were the most frequent reported phenotypes. Using MNA, the prevalence of malnutrition was 28% while 50.8% of the participants were at risk of malnutrition. Frailty was highly prevalent in older age, low educational level, retired elderly, in participants with chronic diseases e.g.: hypertension and diabetes. Older age, females or having chronic diseases especially hypertension, diabetes or heart diseases, were either malnourished or at risk of malnutrition. The relationship between frailty and malnutrition was significant. Conclusion and recommendation Frailty and malnutrition are highly prevalent among elderly and they are interrelated. It’s recommended to screen elderly individuals for frailty and malnutrition to target older persons to early intervene before their consequences become clinically evident and irreversible.