Relation Between Frailty and Common Geriatric Problems in Elderly
Relation Between Frailty and Common Geriatric Problems in Elderly
Moatassem S Amer*, Sarah A Hamza*, Tamer M Farid*, Samia A AbdelRahman*, Hoda M Farid*, Heba G Saber*,Enas R Mohamed*, Randa A Mabrouk**
The Egyptian Journal of Hospital Medicine (July 2013) Vol. 52, Page 566–572
566 DOI:10.12816/0000593
محتويات
Abstract
Background
There is a high prevalence of common geriatric problems (falls, urinary incontinence, visual and hearing impairment) among frail elderly leading to more disability and functional impairment.
Objectives
The aim of this study is to compare the prevalence of common geriatric problems between frail and non-frail elderly.
Design
A Case control study. Participants: 90 participants aged 60 years and above. They were selected from Ain Shams University Hospital from inpatient wards and outpatient clinics. The studied sample was divided into 2 groups: Group A (30 frail elderly females and 30 frail elderly males) and Group B (30 healthy elderly subjects; 15 males and 15 females).
Measurements
Comprehensive geriatric assessment, including detailed history of common geriatric problems as mentioned above, physical examination, and also assessment of frailty using modified Fried criteria ].
Results
Hearing impairment, incontinence and falls were more prevalent in frail elderly with a highly difference between the two groups, with p values< (0.001,0.009,0.006) consequently, visual impairment was statistically significant in cases more than controls with p value (0.012).
Conclusion
There is a significant positive relationship and high prevalence of common geriatric problems especially falls, urinary incontinence, visual and hearing impairment among frail elderly.
KEYWORDS
Frailty– Falls – Urinary incontinence – Visual impairment– Hearing impairment- Elderly
