The Prevalence and Factors Associated with Frailty in Older Adults in Chaloem Phra Kiat District Community, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province

Abstract

            This research is a cross-sectional correlational study aimed at examining the prevalence and associated factors of frailty among older adults in the community of Chaloem Phra Kiat District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. The sample consisted of 375 older adults aged 60 years and older residing in Chaloem Phra Kiat District. The participants were selected using a multistage random sampling method. Data were collected between October and December 2024 using the Edmonton Frail Scale to assess frailty. Data analysis was performed using the Chi-square test.

            The results revealed that the majority of participants were female (63.5%), aged 60-69 years (41.3%), had only a primary school education (70.1%), were married (71.5%), and were still employed (51.5%). Additionally, a significant proportion had a monthly income below 5,000 baht (45.9%) and lived with their spouse and children (42.1%). The prevalence of frailty was found to be 13.6%. Factors such as age, marital status, employment status, income, living arrangements, history of falls, and knee osteoarthritis were significantly associated with frailty (p-value < 0.05).

            These findings suggest that socioeconomic factors play a significant role in determining frailty among the older adults, especially among those who are older, have a lower socioeconomic status, and suffer from chronic health conditions. This information can be used to design effective health promotion programs aimed at the older adults within the community, with the goal of reducing the risk of frailty and enhancing their quality of life.