Prevalence of Frailty and Associated Factors in the Community-Dwelling Population of China.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Frailty in older adults predicts dependence and mortality and is a major challenge for healthcare systems in countries with rapidly aging populations. Little is known about frailty in China. We investigated the prevalence and associated risk factors of frailty in older adults in China.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional.

SETTING

Data were obtained from the China Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment Study, conducted in 2011-12, which was the first uniform comprehensive assessment system adopted in China.

PARTICIPANTS

Older adults from 7 cities were selected based on well-established cluster, stratification, and random selection statistical sampling techniques (N = 5,844).

MEASUREMENTS

The Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment-Frailty Index was measured based on demographic characteristics, physical health, physical function, living behavior and social function, mental health, and cognitive function.

RESULTS

The overall weighted prevalence of frailty was 9.9%: 12.7% in southwestern China, 11.0% in northern China, 5.9% in northwestern China, 5.0% in south-central China, 2.5% in eastern China, and 2.3% in northeastern China. The prevalence of frailty increased with age and was significantly higher in women and those living in rural areas. After adjusting for sex, age, area, region, and education, activity of daily living impairment was the strongest risk factor for frailty. Chronic diseases, depression, poor lifestyle, and geriatric syndromes were also independent risk factors.

CONCLUSION

Our study provides epidemiological characteristics and the risk factors of frailty in China; the findings indicate greater regional disparities. Efforts to promote physical, psychological, and social health in older adults are a core objective of health policy, especially in women and those living in rural areas.