Multidimensional Frailty Scale (MFS): Psychometric properties of the Basque versionFrailty Scale (MFS): Psychometric properties of the Basque version

Abstract

Frailty is defined as a state of vulnerability to internal and external stressors and is considered a strong predictor of adverse health outcomes. Although several instruments have been developed to assess frailty from a multidimensional perspective, many have been found to have inadequate psychometric properties and/or have failed to include all the theoretically proposed dimensions. Moreover, no instrument validated in the Basque language is currently available for frailty assessment. To address these gaps, this study aimed to develop and validate the Multidimensional Frailty Scale (MFS), designed to assess overall frailty and its physical, cognitive, affective, social, and environmental dimensions in Basque-speaking older adults. The sample comprised 201 individuals from the Southern Basque Country, aged 65-96 years. A final 29-item version of the MFS was established from a preliminary 51-item version, based on corrected item-dimension correlations and standardised factor loadings. The psychometric properties of the final version were analysed, including factor structure, internal consistency, convergent validity and validity based on relations with other variables. Confirmatory factor analyses supported a five-factor second-order model, revealing adequate fit indices and satisfactory standardised loadings. Internal consistency indices exceeded recommended minimum thresholds. Moreover, moderate-to-large correlations were observed between the MFS and the corresponding dimensions of the Tilburg Frailty Indicator, as well as with age, loneliness, life satisfaction and independence in the activities of daily living. Overall, the findings indicate that the MFS is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing multidimensional frailty in Basque-speaking older adults and may be useful in both clinical practice and research.