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Relationship between Multimorbidity and Disability in Elderly Patients with Coexisting Frailty Syndrome

Author

Listed:
  • Maria Jędrzejczyk

    (Department of Nursing and Obstetrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Wroclaw Medical University, 51-618 Wrocław, Poland)

  • Weronika Foryś

    (Harvard Division of Continuing Education, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138-3722, USA)

  • Michał Czapla

    (Laboratory for Experimental Medicine and Innovative Technologies, Department of Emergency Medical Service, Wroclaw Medical University, 51-616 Wroclaw, Poland
    Institute of Heart Diseases, University Hospital, 50-566 Wroclaw, Poland
    Faculty of Nursing, Group in Research in Care (GRUPAC), University of La Rioja, 26006 Logroño, Spain)

  • Izabella Uchmanowicz

    (Department of Nursing and Obstetrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Wroclaw Medical University, 51-618 Wrocław, Poland
    Institute of Heart Diseases, University Hospital, 50-566 Wroclaw, Poland)

Abstract

Background: Multimorbidity is a common problem worldwide. It carries the risk of reduced quality of life, disability, frequent hospitalizations, and death. The present study was designed to assess the relationships that exist between multimorbidity and disability in elderly patients. Methods: The study included 100 patients and was conducted between October 2020 and January 2021. Inclusion criteria included age >65 years, presence of a minimum of two comorbidities in the subject, and consent to participate in the study. Standardized survey instruments such as Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI), Charlson Comorbidities Index (CCI), Assessment of Basic Activities of Daily Living—Katz Scale (ADL), and Assessment of Complex Activities of Daily Living—Lawton Scale (IADL) were used in the study. Results: The majority of the subjects (92) had a frailty syndrome (TFI). A small group of respondents (8%) suffered from severe comorbidities (CCI). Among the subjects surveyed, 71% maintained full function in performing simple activities of daily living (ADL), while 29% demonstrated moderate disability on the scale. Full independence in performing complex activities of daily living (IADL) was present in 33% of the respondents, and 67% were partially independent. Independence in complex activities of daily living (IADL) was significantly higher in patients with fewer comorbidities. The severity of comorbidities (CCI) had a significant effect on the decrease in the level of independence (ADL and IADL). Independence in performing complex activities (IADL) was worse among older patients. Conclusions: An increase in the number of comorbidities contributes to a decrease in the level of performance of complex activities of daily living. The severity of comorbidities significantly reduces the level of independence of the subjects in simple and complex activities of daily living. In patients with a higher level of independence in performing simple and complex activities, the co-occurrence of frailty syndrome was less severe. As the age of the subjects increases, the frequency in which they show moderate dependence on third parties in performing complex activities of daily living increases.

Suggested Citation

  • Maria Jędrzejczyk & Weronika Foryś & Michał Czapla & Izabella Uchmanowicz, 2022. "Relationship between Multimorbidity and Disability in Elderly Patients with Coexisting Frailty Syndrome," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(6), pages 1-10, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:6:p:3461-:d:771463
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Maria Gabriella Melchiorre & Barbara D’Amen & Sabrina Quattrini & Giovanni Lamura & Marco Socci, 2022. "Caring for Frail Older People Living Alone in Italy: Future Housing Solutions and Responsibilities of Family and Public Services, a Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(12), pages 1-29, June.
    2. Maria Gabriella Melchiorre & Marco Socci & Sabrina Quattrini & Giovanni Lamura & Barbara D’Amen, 2022. "Frail Older People Ageing in Place in Italy: Use of Health Services and Relationship with General Practitioner," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-26, July.
    3. Maria Gabriella Melchiorre & Barbara D’Amen & Sabrina Quattrini & Giovanni Lamura & Marco Socci, 2022. "Health Emergencies, Falls, and Use of Communication Technologies by Older People with Functional and Social Frailty: Ageing in Place in Deprived Areas of Italy," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-23, November.

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