Composite diagnostic criteria are problematic for linking potentially distinct populations: the case of frailty

Composite diagnostic criteria are common in frailty research. We worry distinct populations may be linked to each other due to complicated criteria. We aim to investigate whether distinct populations might be considered similar based on frailty diagnostic criteria. The Functional Domains Model for frailty diagnosis included four domains: physical, nutritive, cognitive and sensory functioning. Health and Retirement Study participants with two or more deficiencies in the domains were diagnosed frail. The survival distributions were analyzed using discrete-time survival analysis. The distributions of the demographic characteristics and survival across the groups diagnosed with frailty were significantly different (p < 0.05). A deficiency in cognitive functioning was associated with the worst survival pattern compared with a deficiency in the other domains (adjusted p < 0.05). The associations of the domains with mortality were cumulative without interactions. Cognitive functioning had the largest effect size for mortality prediction (Odds ratios, OR = 2.37), larger than that of frailty status (OR = 1.92). The frailty diagnostic criteria may take distinct populations as equal and potentially assign irrelevant interventions to individuals without corresponding conditions. We think it necessary to review the adequacy of composite diagnostic criteria in frailty diagnosis.