Relationship between physical frailty and geriatric syndromes in older adults in outpatient care

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the correlation between the condition of physical frailty and the geriatric syndromes, postural instability, urinary incontinence, and family insufficiency in older adults in geriatrics and gerontology outpatient care. Methods: Quantitative cross-sectional study developed with a sample of 381 older adults 60 years or more. The physical frailty condition and the syndromes of postural instability, urinary incontinence, and family insufficiency were investigated. The evaluation instruments used were Fried’s phenotype markers, Berg Balance Scale, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form and Adaptability, Partnership, Growth, Affection, Resolve, respectively. Data were analyzed by descriptive, bivariate (p<0.05), and regression statistics by ordinal model. Results: Among the participants, 56 (14.7%) were frail, 217 (57%) pre-frail, 108 (28.3%) non-frail; 103 (27%) had urinary incontinence, 98 (25.7%) family insufficiency and 62 (16.3%) postural instability. As for the number of geriatric syndromes, 183 (48%) older adults did not present, 139 (36.5%) presented one syndrome, 53 (14%) two, and six (1.5%) three. There was a significant association (p<0.001) with a degree of association far from 0 (Cramer’s V = 0.496) and “high” correlation (Polychoric correlation = 0.7) between physical frailty and postural instability. Conclusion: There was a significant correlation between physical frailty and postural instability. Urinary incontinence and family insufficiency were not associated with physical frailty, although most were frail and pre-frail.