Analysis of frailty status and risk factors in elderly patients with AIDS and opportunistic infection

OBJECTIVE To investigate the frailty status of elderly patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and opportunistic infection, and to analyze the associated risk factors.

METHODS A convenience sampling method was used to survey 210 elderly patients with AIDS and opportunistic infection in Guangzhou from May 2024 to Apr. 2025. General information questionnaires, FRAIL scale, Nutritional Risk Screening 2002, Athens Insomnia Scale and objective biological indicators were utilized to investigate the incidence of frailty. Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify the risk factors for frailty in elderly patients with AIDS and opportunistic infection.

RESULTS Among the 210 elderly patients with AIDS and opportunistic infection, 40 (19.05%) were frail, including 20 (15.62%) patients aged ＜60 years and 20 (24.39%) ≥60 years. Advanced age (OR=1.111, 95%CI: 1.033-1.194, P=0.004), body mass index(BMI) ≥24.0 kg/m² (OR=4.329, 95%CI: 1.008-18.1585, P=0.049), hemoglobin level (OR=1.037, 95%CI: 1.009-1.065, P=0.009) and CD₄⁺ T lymphocyte count < 200 (OR=10.792, 95%CI: 1.358-85.765, P=0.024) were identified as risk factors for frailty. Regular exercise (OR=0.108, 95%CI: 0.032-0.362, P < 0.001) was found to be a protective factor.

CONCLUSIONS Elderly patients with AIDS and opportunistic infection experience early onset and high incidence of frailty, influenced by multiple factors. Early intervention, enhanced nutrition and engaging in regular exercise can reduce the occurrence of frailty.