BACKGROUND

As the aging population increases, health conditions in older adults require increased attention. Geriatric syndromes are clinical conditions that do not belong to specific disease categories but are concomitantly occurring that significantly affect the functionality and quality of life of older adults. The importance of routine screening of geriatric syndromes was emphasized as this will help in identifying the current conditions and health-related problems of the elderly population in the community, and its implication to their quality of life.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of the geriatric syndromes among elderly patients seen in the Rizal Tagak Community Geriatrics clinic.

METHODS

This research is a cross-sectional descriptive using the locally available DOH Geriatric Screening Tool for Senior Citizens and FRAIL Index Assessment tool.

RESULTS

Forty-six patients were included in the study. The results of the study showed that the most prevalent geriatric syndrome is frailty (78.26%), followed by polypharmacy (73.91%), visual problems (67.40%), fall risk (56.62%), urinary incontinence (45.65%), and memory impairment (41.30%). Less prevalent geriatric syndromes were malnutrition (13.04%), depression (10.87%), physical functional incapacity (8.7%), and hearing problems (6.52%).

CONCLUSION

Routine screening for geriatric syndromes among the elderly is very important as these conditions have serious consequences and impact on the quality of life of the older adults. Early detection of geriatric syndromes will help in implementing early and appropriate interventions to prevent further complications which will be beneficial in promoting healthy aging.

Human ; Aging