Síndrome da fragilidade em idosos e fatores associados

Abstract

Aging corresponds to a natural and continuous phenomenon, influenced by multiple factors, that progressively affects the functioning of different body systems. Within this context, frailty syndrome stands out as a clinical condition characterized by reduced functional reserves and increased susceptibility to adverse events such as falls, hospitalizations, and death. Early recognition of this syndrome, especially in Primary Health Care (PHC), is essential to enable preventive actions and appropriate care measures. Objective: To identify frailty syndrome and analyze its associated factors in older adults assisted at a Primary Health Care Unit in Campina Grande, Paraíba. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach, conducted between February and April 2025, including 72 older adults registered at the José Bezerra Pimentel Primary Health Care Unit. Frailty was assessed according to Fried’s phenotype criteria. Sociodemographic variables, clinical health indicators, and self-perceived health were investigated. Data analysis was performed using R software, employing descriptive statistics, association tests, and logistic regression models to identify factors associated with frailty syndrome. Results: The proportion of frailty observed among older adults was 30.6%. Frailty was more frequent among individuals aged 70–79 years, with 1 to 4 years of schooling, lower income (≤1,518.00), presence of chronic disease, use of three or more medications, and a history of falls. There was a statistically significant association between frailty and falls (p = 0.038). Conclusion: A high proportion of frailty among older adults and a tendency of association with falls were identified. The findings highlight the importance of early detection of frailty syndrome in Primary Health Care, allowing preventive actions that reduce health impacts, improve quality of life, and help decrease the demand for more complex services, thereby strengthening public health.