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Introduction: Frailty syndrome in the elderly, characterized by decreased physiological reserves, is associated with increased risk of disability and high vulnerability to morbidity and mortality. This study is part of a multicenter project on Frailty in Elderly Brazilians (REDE FIBRA)., Aims: To investigate characteristics, prevalence and associated factors related to frailty., Methodology: A total of 391 randomly selected elderly patients aged 65 years were interviewed. Data collection was performed using a multidimensional questionnaire containing information about sociodemographic and clinical variables. Fried's phenotype was used to characterize the frail elderly. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis (χ(2)) and binary logistic regression., Results: The prevalence of frailty was 17.1%. In the final multivariate analysis model, the following factors associated with frailty were obtained: advanced chronological age (p<0.001), presence of comorbidity (p<0.035), dependence in basic (p<0.010) and instrumental (p<0.003) activities of daily living and negative perception of health status (p<0030)., Conclusion: The factors associated with frailty suggest a predictive model that helps in understanding the syndrome, guiding actions that minimize adverse effects in the aging process., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Analyze the relationship between frailty and cortisol in elderly residents of long-stay institutions. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the city of João Pessoa-PB-Brazil, on a sample of residents of long-stay institutions. Data were collected on frailty phenotype (weight loss, fatigue, slowness, weakness and low physical activity) and salivary cortisol (first measurement between 6 and 7a.m.; second measurement between 11 and 12a.m.; third measurement between 4 and 5p.m.). Statistical analysis applied Pearson's correlation test, Chi-square test, ANOVA and linear regression. The sample was composed of 69 elderly subjects, 37.7% men and 62.3% women, with a mean age of 77.5 (±7.8) years. The percentage of frail elderly was 45.8%. Frail aged subjects achieved higher cortisol values on the third measurement (p=0.04) and frailty load was significantly associated to the first measurement (r=0.25, p=0.04). Simple linear regression analysis showed a rate of determination (R(2)=0.05) between frailty load and the first cortisol measurement. Greater cortisol values in the morning and before bed among frail aged individuals suggest a positive correlation may exist between cortisol levels and frailty in elderly residents of long-stay institutions., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)