The relationship between frailty and activity level in elderly patients with Heart failure: A cross-sectional study

Heart failure is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in elderly patients. Determining the frailty and activity status of elderly patients contributes to the treatment and care process.

This study aimed to determine the relationship between frailty and activity level in elderly patients with heart failure.

This research was designed as a cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of 140 elderly patients with heart failure who were hospitalized in the cardiology clinics of a state hospital. Data were collected using the "Patient Information Form," the "Edmonton Frail Scale," and the "Patient Activation Measure."

The mean frailty score of the elderly patients with heart failure was found to be 8.95±3.84, indicating a moderate level of frailty. The mean activity level score was 44.19±16.87, corresponding to level 1. A strong, statistically significant negative correlation was found between frailty and activity levels (r = -0.751; p < 0.001). In addition, individuals with higher levels of education and income, frequent emergency department visits, no history of hospital readmission, absence of polypharmacy, New York Heart Association class II status, and non-frailty were found to be more likely to have a high level of activity (p < 0.05).

As frailty increases in elderly patients with heart failure, their level of activity decreases. In this context, considering this relationship in the treatment and care planning especially for hospitalized patients may contribute positively to outcomes. Moreover, it is of great importance for nurses to provide individualized care to these patients.