Abstract:

Objective To identify the definition of social frailty through the systematic analysis of the defining attributes，antecedents，consequences and empirical references of the social frailty. Method The databases of PubMed、Web of Science、Embase、CINAHL、PsycINFo、ProQuest、CNKI、Wangfang Data、VIP、CBM were searched from their inception to May 2022. Walker and Avant’s classical conceptual analysis was used for analysis. Results A total of 68 articles were included. The attributes of social frailty included long-term social isolation，diminishing social role and increasing social resource scarcity. Antecedents were demographic factors，health factors and psychosocial factors. Consequences included cognitive and psychological function decline，quality of life decline，disability and increased risk of death in the elderly. Empirical measurement tools include various social frailty specific measurement tools and social function related scales，but there are still few Chinese versions of social frailty assessment tools for the elderly. Conclusion The elderly are at high risk of being social frailty. Clarifying the concept of social frailty in the elderly can help nurses identify the characteristics of social frailty and prevent adverse outcomes through targeted intervention measures.

Key words: Elderly, Social frailty, Conceptual analysis