Evaluating the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the Groningen Frailty Indicator among Lebanese elderly people

Abstract

Background: The levels of frailty are anticipated to increase as a result of population aging. A valid instrument is required to detect individuals at high risk of frailty. The present research aimed to assess feasibility, reliability, and construct validity of the Arabic version of Groningen Frailty Indicator (GFI) in urban and rural populations in South Lebanon.Methods: During 2015, a cross-sectional study, which enrolled 390 community-dwelling individuals aged 65 years and above, was conducted in urban and rural areas in Nabatieh in South Lebanon. The survey included questions on sociodemographic and health-related characteristics, GFI, and Vulnerable Elders Survey-13 (VES-13). The translation and cultural adaptation of the GFI followed a standardized protocol. After that, the psychometric properties of the scale (i.e., feasibility, reliability, and validity) were evaluated.Results: A total of 390 elderly filled out the questionnaire, of whom 51% were women and 70% lived in rural areas. 81.3% of elderly were identified as frail. The internal consistency of the GFI scale was high for all subscales (Cronbach's alpha > 0.70), except the social scale (0.56). The GFI yielded statistically significant scores for subgroup analysis (known-groups validity) as higher levels of frailty were seen in older people, women, those with morbidities, and those reported poor financial status. The construct validity of the scale was supported by the significant correlation with the VES-13 (r = 0.73; p = 0.001), quality of life (r = − 0.22; p = 0.001), and self-reported health status (r = − 0.66; p = 0.001). Conclusion:This study supports the feasibility, reliability, and validity of the GFI Arabic version as a screening tool for frailty among community-dwelling elderly in South Lebanon.

Frailty Syndrome in Older Adults and Related Sociodemographic Factors in the North of Iran: A Population-Based Study

“…According to the results, frailty was more common in females, which was consistent with the findings of previous studies (23,25,(28)(29)(30)(31). In a study carried out by Thompson et al in Australia, the prevalence of frailty in females was reported to be twice that of males (31).…”

“…In the same vein, low education level was significantly associated with the prevalence of frailty in older adults. This finding is consistent with the results of other studies in the literature (21,22,25,34,35); however, it is not in line with the findings of a study conducted in Belgium (36). Franse et al reported the education level as one of the most consistently socioeconomic characteristics associated with frailty, morbidities, and self-rated health in adults aged 55 years and older (35).…”

“…Females show a higher percentage of frailty due to their longer life expectancy and consequent chronic disorders (25). Furthermore, lower muscle mass and strength, poorer nutritional status, and sarcopenia can be associated with a higher prevalence of FS in females (32) 26), there was no association between frailty and gender, which was not consistent with the findings in this study.…”

“…The higher prevalence of frailty in a study conducted by Yadav study can be attributed to the poverty and low socioeconomic status of the people, depression, low social support, and low level of physical activity in that region (24). In addition, in a study carried out by Khamis et al in south Lebanon, the prevalence of frailty using the Groningen Frailty Indicator was reported as 81.3% (25).…”

“…Older age has been reported as an effective indicator of frailty in evidence (20)(21)(22)(23)(25)(26)(27). The mean age of the study population affected the prevalence of frailty.…”