Sex Differences in Predictors of Frailty among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Machine Learning Approach.

The predominant predictor of physical frailty was the number of health conditions present in both male and female community-dwelling older adults.

• The sample consisted of 9,123 individuals aged 60 and older from the National Disability and Dependency Survey in Chile
• The sample included 5,363 women and 3,760 men
• Supervised machine learning regression models were applied to identify the most relevant predictors
• The finding was consistent across both sexes

Physical activity emerged as the second most salient predictor of frailty for men.

• This sex-specific finding was identified using supervised machine learning regression models
• Physical activity was more salient for men than for women as a frailty predictor
• The sample of men included 3,760 individuals aged 60 and older

Engagement in leisure and recreational activities demonstrated a more pronounced correlation with frailty for women compared to men.

• Leisure and recreational activity engagement was identified as a key sex-specific predictor for women
• This contrasted with physical activity being the second most salient factor for men
• The sample of women included 5,363 individuals aged 60 and older
• These findings suggest gender-responsive strategies may be needed for frailty prevention

Age was a significant predictor of physical frailty in both male and female older adults.

• Age was identified as significant across both sexes using machine learning regression models
• Participants were aged 60 and older
• The finding was consistent regardless of sex

Sex differences exist in the predictors of physical frailty among community-dwelling older adults in Chile.

• The study used a nationally representative sample from the National Disability and Dependency Survey
• Supervised machine learning regression models were applied to a sample of 9,123 individuals
• While some predictors (number of health conditions, age) were shared, physical activity and leisure/recreational activities showed sex-specific patterns
• The findings were interpreted as offering 'valuable insights for developing gender-responsive strategies to prevent or delay the progression of physical frailty'