Impact of Frailty on Quality of Life in Elderly
Author Information
Author(s): Lin Cheng-Chieh, Li Chia-Ing, Chang Chiu-Kai, Liu Chiu-Shong, Lin Chih-Hsueh, Meng Nai-Hsin, Lee Yih-Dar, Chen Fei-Na, Li Tsai-Chung
Primary Institution: China Medical University & Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
Hypothesis
The study aims to explore how frailty affects health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in community-dwelling elders in Taiwan.
Conclusion
Frailty in elders is linked to a significant reduction in health-related quality of life.
Supporting Evidence
- Elders without frailty reported significantly better health than pre-frail and frail elders.
- The negative differences in health-related quality of life scores between frail and robust elders ranged from 3.58 to 22.92 points.
- Poor endurance and energy were the frailty components with the largest negative effects on health-related quality of life.
Takeaway
Elders who are frail feel less healthy and have a lower quality of life compared to those who are not frail.
Methodology
A cross-sectional study was conducted with 933 elders aged 65 and over, assessing frailty using Fried criteria and HRQOL using the SF-36 questionnaire.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias due to non-response and incomplete data.
Limitations
The study's cross-sectional design limits causal conclusions, and the sample may not represent rural elders or those in institutions.
Participant Demographics
Participants were community-dwelling elders aged 65 and over from a metropolitan area in Taiwan.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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