Frailty diagnosed in elderly people in the city of Santa Maria - sociodemographic and clinical characterization

Abstract

Introduction: The characterization of fragility in the elderly is essential for guiding specific interventions, ultimately improving the effectiveness of care and fostering preventive strategies. Objective: This study aimed to characterize a community of elderly residents in Santa Maria, RS, regarding their fragility. Materials and Methods: A non-probabilistic intentional sampling method was used, selecting participants served by the geriatrics department at the Santa Maria University Hospital and those residing in long-term care institutions in the city. Inclusion criteria considered age, preserved gait, and verbal comprehension, excluding individuals with physical limitations. A questionnaire was utilized to gather sociodemographic data, and the Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI) was employed to assess fragility during the period from August to September 2023, following the approval of the Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Santa Maria. Descriptive statistics and comparisons between groups were tested using the Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, or chi-square test (p < 0.05). Results: The results indicated significant differences in the physical, psychological, and social domains between fragile (n=26) and non-fragile (n=23) groups, as well as variations in age, marital status, polypharmacy, and use of walking aids. Conclusion: The differences identified highlight the comprehensive influence of fragility on the lives of the elderly, emphasizing the importance of early detection to enhance quality of life. It underscores the necessity for integrated approaches to address the challenges associated with aging.