Prevalence and risk factors of frailty among older family caregivers

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of frailty and identify the demographical and clinical factors associated with frailty among older family caregivers.

Method: The participants of this cross-sectional study were older family caregivers (n = 125) living in Eastern Finland. Data on functional and cognitive status, depressive symptoms, nutritional status, medication, chronic diseases, stroke, and oral health were obtained. The Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) was used to evaluate nutritional status. Frailty status was evaluated using the abbreviated comprehensive geriatric assessment (aCGA) scale.

Results: Seventy-three percent of caregivers were identified as frail. According to multivariable logistic regression, cataract, glaucoma, or macular degeneration and the MNA score were predictors of frailty. After adjusting for age, gender, and number of own teeth, the MNA score remained a significant predictor of frailty (adjusted OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.06, 1.41). As the MNA scores decreased (meaning poorer nutritional status), the risk of frailty increased.

Conclusions: The present study showed that frailty is prevalent among older family caregivers. Recognising older family caregivers with frailty or at risk of frailty is vital. It is essential to acknowledge vision problems' role in frailty and to monitor and support the nutritional status of family caregivers regularly to prevent frailty development.

Keywords: aCGA; family caregivers; frailty; informal caregivers; older adults; older people.