Health Policy Manag.  2024 Jun;34(2):156-162. 10.4332/KJHPA.2024.34.2.156.

The Relationship between Frailty and Area Deprivation Index among Older Adults in South Korea

• Choi GE
• Jo EY
• Nam JY

• KMID: 2562573
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4332/KJHPA.2024.34.2.156

Abstract

Background
This study aimed to explore the relationship between frailty and Area Deprivation Index (ADI) among older adults in Korea.
Methods
We used data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2014 to 2019, focusing on individuals aged 65 years and older. Frailty was assessed using Fried phenotype of frailty criteria. A multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the relationship between frailty and ADI adjusted for all covariates.
Results
Among 9,825 older adults, those who lived in an area with a high ADI had a 1.2-fold higher risk of frailty compared to those who lived in an area with a low ADI (odds ratio [OR], 1.23; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09–1.37). Particularly, married individuals living in areas with a high ADI had an approximately 1.4-fold higher risk of frailty compared to those living in areas with a low ADI (OR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.16–1.57).
Conclusion
This study reveal a significant relationship between frailty and the ADI among older adults. In particular, married individuals who live in areas with a high ADI were found more vulnerable to frailty than those who live in areas with a low ADI. Therefore, policy intervention should be implemented to reduce health inequalities among older people, especially those living in the most deprived areas groups.

Keyword

Frailty; Area Deprivation Index; Deprivation; Marital status; Elderly; Seniors