Frailty in an Aging Population Living With and Without HIV: A Comparative Cross-sectional Analysis Using the Fatigue, Resistance, Ambulation, Illnesses, and Loss of Weight Scale in a Houston Urban Cohort

ABSTRACT: Advances in antiretroviral therapy have transformed HIV, leading to a rapidly aging population of people living with HIV. With aging comes an increased risk of frailty, a multidimensional syndrome signifying diminished physiological reserve and vulnerability to stressors. A cross-sectional analysis compared Fatigue, Resistance, Ambulation, Illnesses, and Loss of weight scale scores between adults living with and without HIV. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression models assessed differences in frailty prevalence and associated correlates. Frailty was observed in 16.7% of participants with HIV versus 6.3% of adults without HIV (χ2(1) = 6.28, p = .012). Frailty is more prevalent among adults living with HIV compared with adults without HIV. Integrating routine frailty screening into HIV care using the FRAIL Scale can guide interventions and comprehensive, person-centered management strategies.