Classification and Characteristics of Frailty State Transitions in Older Adults: Group-Based Multivariate Trajectory Modeling

PURPOSE: To investigate the classification and characteristics of frailty transition in older adults over a 1-year period. METHOD: A three-wave mailed cohort survey was conducted in a community setting. Data from 361 participants who answered all items were analyzed. Group-based multivariate trajectory modeling (GBTM) was used to classify frailty transitions over the three time points. RESULTS: GBTM revealed the best fit when participants were divided into four trajectory groups (G1: "worsened frailty after 1 year" [n = 94, 26%]; G2: "maintained frailty status" [n = 149, 41.3%]; G3: "improved frailty status" [n = 49, 13.6%]; and G4: "worsened frailty after 6 months" [n = 69, 19.1%]). Swallowing function was a significant association in participants in G1 and G3. Walking speed and exercise habits worsened between baseline and second surveys in G4. CONCLUSION: Four frailty transition types were identified in the three-wave survey conducted over 1 year. Swallowing function was associated with the progression or improvement of frailty. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, 18(3), 146-153.].