Prevalence, transitions and factors predicting transition between frailty states among rural community-dwelling older adults in Malaysia

ObjectivesThis study aims to describe the prevalence and transitions of frailty among rural-community dwelling older adults in Malaysia and to analyse factors associated with different states of frailty transition. Frailty was conceptualized using modified Fried phenotype from the Cardiovascular Health Study.DesignThis is a prospective longitudinal study with 12-months follow up among older adults in Malaysia.SettingKuala Pilah, a district in Negeri Sembilan, which is one of the fourteen states in Malaysia.Participants2,324 community-dwelling older Malaysians aged 60 years and older.ResultsThe overall prevalence of frailty in this study was 9.4% (95% CI 7.8–11.2). The prevalence increased at least three-fold with every 10 years of age. This increase was seen higher in women compared to men. Being frail was significantly associated with older age, women, and respondents with a higher number of chronic diseases, poor cognitive function and low socioeconomic status (pConclusionFrailty is reported among one in every eleven older adults in this study. The prevalence increased across age groups and was higher among women than men. Frailty possesses a dynamic status due to its potential reversibility. This reversibility makes it a cornerstone to delay frailty progression. Our study noted that physical activity conferred the greatest benefit as a modifiable factor in frailty prevention.