Study on the status of frailty and related determinants among the elderly in China / 中华流行病学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective: To investigate the frailty status and related determinants among the elderly in China. Methods: Frailty index (FI) was applied to evaluate the frailty status of the elderly. Data used in this study was from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) in 2011-2015. Binary logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify the determinants related to the status on frailty. Results: The prevalence rates of frailty in the elderly were 18.7%, 20.6% and 28.4% in 2011, 2013 and 2015, respectively. Being female or elderly under advanced age, were both associated with the higher level of FI. Factors as hip fracture, falls, alcohol intake more than once a month, and less participation in social activities etc., might serve as the risk factors for frailty. Conclusion: Chinese elderly showed relatively high prevalence on frailty and with annual increasing trend. The status of frailty was related to factors as adverse events and unhealthy lifestyles. Comprehensive intervention strategies should be adopted in early life of the elderly to delay the development process of frailty.