Perfil de morbidade e fatores associados à fragilidade em pessoas idosas pós infecção pela COVID-19 no Norte de Minas Gerais

Abstract

World's population aging is considered one of the main events of the 21st century, which is reflected in the growing burden of diseases, overloading health systems, mainly because of chronic degenerative conditions and their consequences. In this context, Frailty Syndrome stands out, a condition that can affect the elderly population, determining more significant clinical and functional vulnerability in the face of possible adverse outcomes. This study aimed to assess the morbidity profile and identify the factors associated with the frailty syndrome in post-COVID-19 older adults, followed up at the only Reference Center for Health Care for the Elderly (CRASI) located in the north of Minas Gerais. This exploratory study analyses case series of patients referred and assisted at CRASI after COVID-19 infection. The sampling process was for convenience, but not intentional, based on the identification and sequential selection of older people affected by COVID-19 after reopening the specialized center services in May 2021. Data collection included a socioeconomic and demographic questionnaire, the Clinical-Functional Vulnerability Index-20, and the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) to assess the health conditions of the group. We compared group characteristics using Pearson's chi-square test. Bivariate analysis was performed to define variables associated with Frailty syndrome, followed by multiple analyses using binary logistic regression, keeping only the variables associated up to the 5% significance level in the final model. A total of 204 older adults were evaluated, with a predominance of females (63.7%), aged between 60 and 79 years (77.5%), and schooling between one and four years of study (64.7%). Women had more functional limitations and polypharmacy in this sample. The group's assessment of their state of frailty revealed that 93 elderly (45.6%) were robust, 80 (39.2%) pre-frail, and 31 (15.2%) as frail. Variables associated with frailty were compromised mental examination (p=0.029), compromised to perform activities of daily living (p<0.001), and a higher number of comorbidities (p=0.004). The frailty syndrome in the evaluated group was predominantly associated with the autonomy and independence of older persons. Therefore, we highlight the need to integrate care for older adults to meet the complex demands of post-COVID-19