Frailty under COVID-19 pandemic in Japan: Changes in prevalence of frailty from 2017 to 2021

BackgroundAfter the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), pandemic-associated-frailty or profound health deterioration, in older adults has been considered a health concern. In this study, we sought to demonstrate whether pandemic-associated-frailty is occurring in Japan, where the population is aging, by showing the prevalence of frailty before and during the COVID-19 outbreak, using the same method. MethodsA total of 5222 older adults in Otawara City, Tochigi Prefecture, aged 70 and 75 were surveyed annually using a complete survey, excluding those who were certified as requiring long-term care. Frailty during 2017-2019 before the COVID-19 outbreak and during 2020-2021 during the COVID-19 outbreak was determined using the Kihon Checklist (KCL). Statistical analysis was performed using the chi(2) test to compare annual frailty status and Kruskal-Wallis test to compare the scores. ResultsThe frailty statuses over the five-year period showed a significant decrease in Robust and a significant increase in Pre-frailty and Frailty (p < 0.001). Frailty increased markedly during the second year of the pandemic. Based on the category, the scores deteriorated significantly for activities of daily living (p < 0.001), physical function (p = 0.003), oral function (p < 0.001), outdoor activity (p < 0.001), and depression (p < 0.001). Moreover, there was a significant deterioration in the total score for 25 items (p < 0.001). In addition, a significant deterioration was observed in the total score of 23 items, excluding the social withdrawal affected by self-restraint life (p < 0.001). ConclusionsThe population prevalence of frailty in older adults increased steadily from the pre-pandemic year through the first and second years of the pandemic. Based on the 25 questions of the KCL, two aspects including visiting friends and going out less stood out. This suggests that pandemic-associated-frailty occurred in Japan.

Automated summary

This study aimed to demonstrate the prevalence of pandemic-associated frailty in Japan, a country with an aging population, by comparing the frailty status before and during the COVID-19 outbreak. The results showed a steady increase in frailty among older adults during the pandemic.