Frailty syndrome and associated factors in indigenous older adults of Nariño, Colombia

Abstract

Introduction: The identification of pre-frailty and frailty syndrome in older adults is important due to its association with the development of disability. It is a priority problem for health systems and quality of life of older adults, caregivers, and relatives. Objective: To determine the prevalence and associated factors of pre-frailty and frailty syndrome in indigenous older adults from Colombia. Material and method: A cross-sectional study was conducted that included 540 indigenous over 60 years of age who belong to the 13 sub-regions of the Obando province in Nariño, Colombia. The prevalence of frailty and pre-frailty syndrome was determined, we evaluated sociodemographic variables, cognitive deterioration, functionality, and the presence of different morbidities. Associations were estimated using multivariate multinomial logistic regression models. Results: The mean age was 70.68 (SD 6.86). The prevalence of frailty syndrome was 32.4%, and pre-frailty syndrome was 58.7%. Having depressive symptoms, those with altered functional dependence according to the Barthel index, and those who reported having arthrosis or arthritis, showed an association with frailty syndrome. Conclusion: This analysis shows a high prevalence of frailty syndrome in the population of indigenous older adults. This was similar to that reported in other countries. Frailty has a great impact on health due to its strong association with musculoskeletal diseases, depression, and disability. © 2019 Sociedad Española de Médicos de Atención Primaria (SEMERGEN)