Abstract
OBJECTIVES: to analyze the association between vulnerability and levels of frailty and functionality of older adults assisted by primary care in a medium-sized municipality in the Midwest of Minas Gerais. METHODS: a cross-sectional, analytical, quantitative observational study, carried out in a multicenter study setting of the International Research Network on Vulnerability, Health, Safety and Quality of Life of Older Adults. To assess the associations between levels of frailty and qualitative variables, Pearson's chi-square test and modified Poisson regression models were applied, with robust variance, considering a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: 150 older adults participated in the study. A strong association was identified between functional and cognitive decline, vulnerability, and an increased likelihood of developing frailty syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: an association was evidenced between the presence of vulnerability in older adults with a higher level of dependence in basic and instrumental activities and the presence or risk of frailty.