Abstract
【Objective】 To assess the frailty of patients visiting an outpatient clinic.
【Methods】 We examined patients aged 65 years and older （n=257） who visited an outpatient clinic, using a Kihon checklist. Data on body measurements, speaking fluency, tongue pressure, grip strength, and lower limb muscle strength were collected. A dietary survey was also conducted using a brief self-administered diet-history questionnaire （BDHQ）. Furthermore, data on disease status, medication status, and serum albumin levels were collected from the patients’ medical records.
【Results】 Based on the Kihon checklist information, the 257 patients were classified as follows：106（41.2 %），robust （not frail）; 96（37.4%），prefrail; and 55（21.4%），frail. Scores of speaking fluency, tongue pressure, grip strength, and lower limb muscle strength were significantly lower in the frail group than in the robust group （p>0.01）．Energy intake per kg of body weight was also lower in the frail group than in the robust group（p>0.05）． However, the energy-yielding nutrient intake according to food groups did not differ among the three patient groups.
【Conclusion】 This study clarified that approximately 60% of patients aged 65 years and older with prefrailty and frailty visited an outpatient clinic. Oral function, generalized muscle strength, and energy intake are lower in frail individuals than in robust individuals.
