IJGG

Abstract

Background: Frailty, a geriatric syndrome characterized by increased vulnerability to stressors, has been associated with adverse health outcomes in elderly populations. However, limited data exists on frailty profiles in rural Indian settings. Objectives: To assess the clinical profile of frailty and identify associated factors among elderly patients attending KIMS teaching hospital, Koppal in Karnataka, India. Methods: This prospective observational study included 100 elderly patients (age ≥65 years) attending KIMS Teaching Hospital, Koppal. Frailty was assessed using Fried's phenotype criteria. Comprehensive assessment included demographic information, clinical examination, anthropometric measurements, and laboratory investigations. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0. Results: Frailty prevalence was 37%, with 52% classified as pre-frail and 11% as robust. Mean age was significantly higher in frail (69.68±3.07 years) compared to pre-frail (67.27±2.33) and robust (67.55±2.10) groups (p=0.013). Grip strength weakness (73%) was the most prevalent frailty component, followed by reduced physical activity (48%). Education level (p=0.002), income distribution (p<0.001), and living arrangements (p=0.038) significantly differed across frailty categories. Multinomial logistic regression identified age as a significant risk factor for frailty (OR=1.32, p=0.038), while hypertension showed a protective association (OR=0.07, p=0.039). Conclusion: Frailty and pre-frailty are highly prevalent among elderly patients in this rural Indian setting. The observed associations with socioeconomic factors highlight the multidimensional nature of frailty and underscore the need for holistic approaches to frailty prevention and management in resource-limited settings.

Keywords: Frailty, Elderly, Rural India, Grip strength, socioeconomic factors