Public Awareness About Frailty Prevention and Possible Association Between Frailty and Disability: A Cross-Sectional Study in Saudi Arabia

Ahmed M Ashour,1,2 Maan H Harbi,1 Nasser M Alorfi,1 Fahad S Alshehri,1,2 Saad M Wali,1 Mohammed M Aldurdunji3 1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia; 2King Salman Center for Disability Research, Riyadh, 11614, Saudi Arabia; 3Pharmaceutical Practices Department, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Ahmed M Ashour, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia, Tel +966566664464, Fax +966126066693, Email [email protected]: Frailty, a condition characterized by diminished physiological reserves, is a significant public health concern globally, particularly due to its association with adverse outcomes such as hospitalization, dependence, and mortality. Despite the importance of early detection and prevention, public awareness about frailty remains insufficient, especially in Saudi Arabia.Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess public awareness of frailty and its association with disability, focusing on the socio-demographic factors that influence awareness.Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed with 1000 participants from urban and rural regions of Saudi Arabia. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire to evaluate their knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding frailty awareness, particularly around its prevention strategies.Results: A total of 1000 respondents participated in the survey. The majority of participants were males aged 18 to 39. The results indicated significant predictors of frailty awareness, including gender, education level, income, health status, and self-rated health. Frailty preventive techniques were more likely to be known by men, those with greater education, higher income, and better health.Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for targeted public health campaigns to improve awareness, especially among underrepresented groups. Addressing socio-demographic factors in future interventions may reduce frailty risks and support health promotion and prevention efforts in Saudi Arabia.Keywords: frailty, public health awareness, socio-demographic factors, disability prevention, Saudi Arabia, health behavior