Frontiers in Aging · Oct 30, 2026
Frailty Subtypes and Associated Factors Among Hospitalized Older Adults: A Latent Class Analysis Based on the FRAIL Scale
By Shuoyi Liu, Yun Yan, Lijuan Xiong et al.
Objectives: To identify frailty subtypes among hospitalized older adults and examine their associated factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 400 adults aged ≥60 years recruited through convenience sampling at a general hospital between January and September 2024. Data were obtained from medical records and researcher-administered patient interviews. Latent class analysis was performed using the five binary items of the FRAIL scale. Multivariable multinomial logistic regression was used to examine factors associated with subtype membership. Results: Three subtypes were identified: mobility-impaired frailty (38.25%), multimorbidity frailty (18.25%), and mild frailty or healthy status (43.50%). Age, activities of daily living, educational level, alcohol consumption, physical activity, BMI, sleep quality, pain, depression, hyperlipidemia, diabetes and cerebrovascular disease were independently associated with subtype membership. Conclusions: FRAIL-based subtypes revealed differences in frailty patterns among hospitalized older adults that may inform assessment of their care needs. However, the cross-sectional design and convenience sampling limit causal inference and generalizability. Self-report bias and acute illness may also have affected FRAIL responses. Follow-up studies are needed to assess the stability of these subtypes and their associations with long-term outcomes.