Functional Clinical Vulnerability Index (IVFC-20): the recognition of the fragile elderly person by Primary Health Care

Abstract

Aging, inherent to every human being, is a phenomenon of global magnitude. Age itself is an inappropriate predictor, as aging is a heterogeneous pattern. This process is associated with biopsychosocial changes. This study sought to evaluate the clinical-functional vulnerability index (IVCF-20) of elderly people registered in a Basic Family Health Unit in the city of Teresópolis - RJ. The study was a cross-sectional, descriptive, and quantitative one, consisting of community-dwelling elderly subjects. They were evaluated using an identification form and analysis of sociodemographic conditions and the IVCF-20. When analyzing 100 respondents, 74% were female and 26% male, with an average age of 72.18 years, 81% were white, 61% had incomplete primary education, and 71% were retired. No association was identified between frailty in the elderly and sociodemographic factors. The presence of frailty was equivalent to 63% high risk, 29% medium risk, 8% low risk. A high prevalence of pre-frail and frail elderly people was observed, and no factors associated with frailty syndrome were identified. Understanding and considering frailty and its multifactorial aspects gives visibility to this reality and can help promote strategies and actions for the prevention and tracking of vulnerable elderly people.