Assessing Frailty and Earthquake Preparedness Among Geriatric Patients in an Emergency Care Setting: A Cross-Sectional Study in 2 Tertiary Hospitals in Istanbul

Abstract

Objectives The overall objective of this study is to shed light on the disaster preparedness status of geriatric patients visiting tertiary hospitals in Istanbul while assessing the relationship between frailty scores, self-efficacy, and independence among geriatric patients. Methods This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the Emergency Medicine Departments of 2 tertiary centers in Istanbul. In the survey, health and frailty status, demographics, and earthquake preparedness and planning were assessed. The Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI), and PRISMA-7 score were administered. Contingency tables were constructed to examine the associations between frailty categories and categorical outcomes related to disaster preparedness, self-efficacy, and independence. Results A small portion (5.4%) of patients had received earthquake preparedness training. Regarding emergency preparedness, 32.4% had easy access to a list of emergency contacts, and 32.1% knew the location of the emergency kit. A relationship was found between the presence of an earthquake preparedness kit and the CFS and TFI (P<0.005). All the self-efficacy and independence parameters needed during disasters were found to be significantly higher among frailer patients (P<0.005). Conclusions Inadequate disaster preparedness, characterized by low self-efficacy and high external dependence, are influenced by frailty. Enhancing disaster preparedness requires identifying and supporting frail individuals.