The Association Between Urbanization and Frailty Status in China.

Carolina Digital Repository (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) 2026 Open access

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Authors: A. E. Dick Howard, Hillary Spangler, John A. Batsis, Huijun Wang, Bing Zhang, Shufa Du, David H. Lynch, Penny Gordon‐Larsen, Hsiao-Chuan Tien
DOI: 10.17615/m3cw-8p98
Cited by: 0

Abstract

Background: A frailty index (FI) can identify individuals with frailty in a population of interest. Previous literature suggests a need for frailty assessment methods for older adults in China and that urbanization may impact frailty status. We used a FI to examine the association between frailty and urbanization as living in a less urbanized area may put older adults at a higher risk frailty and poor healthcare outcomes. Methods: We included adults aged 55 years and older (n = 7695) from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (2018). The FI was based on health outcomes correlating with a deficit score divided by number of health items: robust (

Fields of Study & Subjects

Frailty in Older Adults Chronic Disease Management Strategies Intergenerational Family Dynamics and Caregiving

Publication details

Journal / source
Carolina Digital Repository (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)
Publication date
6 January 2026