Self-efficacy and Optimism in frail elderly men without functional disability attending geriatric outpatient clinic in Mansoura university: a case-control study.

Abstract

Abstract Background Psychological frailty including cognitive, mood, and motivational components has a major impact on the well- being of frail elderly. Therefore, there is an increasing scientific interest in studying different domains of psychological frailty. Unfortunately, the psychological components of frailty are not completely evaluated and currently there is no consensus regarding appropriate intervention. This study aimed to evaluate self-efficacy and optimism in frail elderly without functional disability. This case-control study was conducted between August 2022 and March 2023, and included 70 elderly male community dwelling participants aged ≥ 60 years. The participants were divided into 2 groups: frail and non-frail defined by AVILA modification of Fried criteria. Self-efficacy scale (SES) and Revised-Life orientation test (R-LOT) were applied for all participants.Results Those with physical frailty had lower self-efficacy and optimism scores. R-LOT and SES had moderate diagnostic accuracy in predicting frailty; AUC for both tools were 0.75 and 0.71, respectively.Conclusions Psychological determinants of frailty are as equally important to be addressed as factors affecting physical frailty. self-efficacy and optimism are both affected in frail elderly. The Self-efficacy scale (SES) and the Revised-Life orientation test (R-LOT) should be applied as a measure of psychological resilience during comprehensive assessment of physical frailty to improve overall well-being and resilience among frail elderly.