Multimorbidity and Depression Increase Prevalence of Frailty of Community-dwelling Indonesian Older Adults: Indonesia Care Networks Study.

BACKGROUND

Older adults with frailty have an increased risk of multiple negative health outcomes, such as disability, falls, and morbidity when exposed to physical stressors. The present study investigated the prevalence of frailty and associated risk factors among community-dwelling Indonesian older adults in several districts in Jakarta, Indonesia.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was done in several urban villages in Jakarta, Indonesia. It involved community-dwelling Indonesian older adults aged 60 and over. Sociodemographic and multiple health data were assessed and measured by a trained interviewer. Frailty was evaluated using Fried's criteria.

RESULTS

The data analysis found a 14.7% prevalence of frailty among 518 participants. Multivariate analysis showed that frailty was independently associated with females (OR 3.62, 95% CI: 1.73-7.55), having multimorbidity (OR 2.01, 95% CI: 1.21-3.35), and clinical depression (OR 2.13, 95% CI: 1.24-3.65).

CONCLUSIONS

Early interventions in younger older adults, especially women in their early 50s or 60s, might decrease frailty risk over age 60. Controlling chronic disease and better mental education and support to reduce depression risk could reduce frailty risk.