Application of frailty screening instruments for older people in Sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review

Frailty and frailty screening of older people is increasingly becoming a global public health concern. The health domains and elements that constitute frailty may differ across different settings. The choice of frailty screening instruments can therefore affect frailty diagnosis and potentially delay interventions. The aim of this scoping review is to explore the application of frailty screening instruments among older people in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Six databases (Google Scholar, CINAHL, SCOPUS, African Journal online, PubMed, and Africa Index Medicus) were searched for literature published between January 2000 and August 2023. Studies that reported on using frailty screening instruments for older people aged 50 years and above in Sub-Saharan Africa were included in the review.

The search across the six databases yielded 362 results. Seventeen studies from ten countries met the eligibility criteria and were included in this review. Seven frailty screening instruments were identified across the included studies. Frailty screening is gaining attention in Sub-Saharan Africa. Majority of the frailty screening instruments were developed and validated in high-income countries. Only one frailty screening instrument was developed and validated in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Considering the impact of frailty on the health and wellbeing of older people, researchers must consider developing and using frailty screening instruments that assess domains that are pertinent to the health and wellbeing of older people in Sub-Saharan Africa.