Evaluation of frailty status among older people living in urban communities by Edmonton Frail Scale in Wuhu, China: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Few studies have explored the factors that are associated with frailty among older people.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the frailty status and examine the sociodemographic factors that are associated with of older peoples' frailty status in China.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHODS

We used convenience sampling to recruit the participants (aged 60 and above) from four communities in an urban area of Wuhu, Anhui, China. Participants completed a questionnaire which included the Edmonton Frail Scale (EFS) and sociodemographic factorsWe used convenience sampling to recruit the participants (aged 60 and above) from four communities in an urban area of Wuhu, Anhui, China. Participants completed a questionnaire which included the Edmonton Frail Scale (EFS) and sociodemographic factors.

RESULTS

Of 306 participants, the percentage of participants with a robust score (0-4) on the EFS was 71.9%, 14.1% had an apparently vulnerable score (5-6), and 14.0% had a frail score (7-17). Age, chronic disease status and marital status were significantly associated with frailty.

CONCLUSIONS

There are a high percentage of frail older Chinese adults in the urban area. The present study findings could provide better understanding of the factors associated with frailty status of this population.