Associations between reproductive factors and frailty in middle-aged and older women: evidence from the China health and retirement longitudinal study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Amid global aging, frailty significantly threatens the health of middle-aged and older women. This study is the first to explore the association between reproductive factors (age at first livebirth, number of biological children, reproductive period, age at menopause, age at menarche, and history of abortion) and frailty among middle-aged and elderly Chinese women.

Methods

Based on the 2014 life history survey and 2018 cross-sectional data from the China health and retirement longitudinal study (CHARLS), 2,948 female participants aged 45 years and above were included in the analysis. Frailty status was assessed using a Frailty Index (FI), constructed from 50 health deficit indicators. Data on reproductive factors, including age at first livebirth, number of biolog

SUBMITTER: Xian X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12560522 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature