Frailty and polypharmacy among geriatric home care patients: an epidemiological analysis and implications for optimised care

BACKGROUND: The ageing population is an international phenomenon. This study investigates the epidemiology of geriatric home care patients in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, focusing on frailty and polypharmacy. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive design was utilised to assess the profiles of home care geriatric patients based on their comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) forms from the medical records of the Home Care Administration. Sampling used a census approach involving all eligible CGA forms during the study period. RESULTS: The sample included 281 patients, predominantly female, with a mean age of 79 years. The logistic regression models for frailty and polypharmacy demonstrated acceptable predictive accuracy and good model fit. Significant predictors of a higher likelihood of frailty were increased age, depression, and diabetes. In the polypharmacy model, significant predictors are other chronic conditions, medical complications, depression, and hypertension, all of which increase the likelihood of polypharmacy. CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of both conditions reflects the substantial clinical burden in this population, emphasising the complexity of their care needs. Moreover, the study recommends that future research explore universal operational definitions of frailty in national practice to better align with global standards. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.