Associations of Biochemical Nutritional Indicators with Frailty Among Older Adults Using Community Welfare Centers: A Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose: Nutritional imbalance has been associated with frailty in older adults. This study aimed to examine the relationships between biochemical nutritional indicators and frailty among community-dwelling older adults, with the long-term goal of informing the development of frailty and exacerbation prevention programs. Methods: Data were collected from 192 community-dwelling older adults aged ≥65 years across three cities from August to September, 2019. Anthropometric measures, blood tests, and structured questionnaires were used to collect data. Study variables included general characteristics, appetite, body mass index, biochemical nutritional indicators (protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and electrolytes), and frailty. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, and hierarchical regression. Results: Frailty differed significantly according to age, number of chronic diseases, appetite, vitamin D, and calcium. These variables together explained 35% of the variance in frailty. Conclusion: To prevent frailty in older adults, age, number of chronic diseases, appetite, vitamin D, and calcium levels should be continuously monitored, and nursing interventions that manage diet, provide nutritional supplements, and provide oral medication are needed to maintain normal vitamin D and calcium levels in community-dwelling older adults.