Perfil de fragilidade em idosos comunitários de Belo Horizonte: um estudo transversal

Abstract

Frailty is a common condition among the elderly and is characterized by a state of vulnerability to adverse health outcomes. The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to identify the characteristics and risk profiles for frailty syndrome in community elderly individuals residing in the city of Belo Horizonte (Brazil), using the phenotype proposed by Fried et al (2001). One hundred thirteen male and female elderly individuals were assessed with regard to frailty criteria, socio-demographic and clinical variables, functional capacity, symptoms of depression and self-perception health. Descriptive statistics, the chi-square test, logistic regression and ANOVA were employed to assess correlations between the phenotype of frailty and remaining variables. Among the elderly individuals assessed, 13.27% were frail. Frail individuals were older (OR = 1,16); had lower income (r = - 0.32) and schooling levels (OR = 0,31); were widowed (OR = 4,89); had a greater number of diseases (OR = 1,61); had greater dependence in basis (OR= 4,113) and instrumental activities of daily living (OR = 0,56) ; and had a worse self-perception health (r = - 0,222). The phenotype proposed by Fried et al. (2001) is a simple, inexpensive, reliable method for the early detection of frailty, even in functionally active individuals, and allows a unified language among different healthcare professionals regarding the definition of frail elderly individuals.