Characteristics related to the frailty profile in the elderly <b>[Abstract in English]<\b>

Abstract

Aims: To identify the presence of frailty in elderly attended in a geriatric outpatient clinic. Methods: Data on characterization of frailty, socio-demographic and economic aspects, and life habits, were collected by interview. A sample of 100 elderly was grouped in frail, pre-frail and non-frail. The analysis was performed using Epi Info and data were described in frequency, mean, and standard deviation of the mean. Chi-square was used for comparisons and p less than 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: There was some degree of weakness in 84% of participants, of whom 31% were frail and 53% pre-frail, leaving 16% non-frail. The frailty was significantly associated with housing type (if the house was own, not own or a nursing home), unintentional weight loss, fatigue and self-reported weakness, inactivity, decreased functional capacity, consumption of alcohol and hospitalizations in the previous year. Conclusions: the identification of the frailty may contribute to the establishment of preventive measures and to improve the care to the elderly.