Prevalence and Factors Predicting Sarcopenia in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Secondary Data Analysis

Abstract

Introduction Sarcopenia is characterized by the progressive loss of muscle mass, strength, and function. It is commonly observed among older adults, particularly those with comorbidities, and is associated with an increased risk of falls, disability, and reduced quality of life. In its early stages, sarcopenia often remains asymptomatic; however, early detection at the preclinical or at-risk stage can help mitigate adverse health outcomes. Despite its significance, empirical data on sarcopenia among community-dwelling older adults in urban settings, especially in Bangkok, remain limited. Furthermore, predictive models for primary-level screening of older adults are not yet available.

Objective This study aimed to examine the prevalence and predictive factors of sarcopenia at the stages of risk, possible sarcopenia, and confirmed sarcopenia among older adults residing in urban communities in Bangkok. It was hypothesized that personal factors (age and gender), together with health-related factors (comorbidities, body mass index, and waist circumference), can jointly predict the risk of sarcopenia, possible sarcopenia, and presence of sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults in Bangkok.

Design This correlational predictive study is a secondary data analysis of 117 older adults residing in urban communities in Bangkok, drawn from a nationwide project. Screening for sarcopenia was conducted in accordance with the 2019 consensus guidelines of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS), which specify standardized methods for assessing muscle strength, muscle mass, and physical performance.

Methodology Participants were purposively selected based on the inclusion criterion of having complete data for all three indicators used to assess sarcopenia: calf circumference, handgrip strength, and the time to complete the five-time sit-to-stand test. Data were collected using structured record forms. Descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression were employed to analyze predictive factors for sarcopenia across three levels: risk of sarcopenia, possible sarcopenia, and confirmed sarcopenia.

Results The majority of older adults in the community were female (68.4%), with a mean age of 69.7 years (SD = 7.2). Most participants reported comorbidities (70.9%), with the three most prevalent conditions being hypertension (58.1%), diabetes mellitus (37.6%), and hyperlipidemia (15.4%). The mean body mass index (BMI) was 24.69 kg/m² (SD = 5.31). Among females, the majority had waist circumferences above the normal criteria (70.3%), whereas most males had waist circumferences within the normal range (54.0%). The prevalence of risk for sarcopenia (low calf circumference), possible sarcopenia (low calf circumference combined with either low handgrip strength or prolonged five times sit-to-stand test), and confirmed sarcopenia (low calf circumference, low handgrip strength, and prolonged five-times sit-to-stand test) was 43.6%, 12.7%, and 28.2%, respectively. These findings indicate that nearly half of community-dwelling older adults were at risk of sarcopenia. Predictive analysis revealed that body mass index was a statistically significant predictor of the sarcopenia risk (OR = 0.672, 95% CI: 0.488–0.926, p = .015). Body mass index also predicted the possible sarcopenia (OR = 0.775, 95% CI: 0.641–0.937, p = .009). Predictors of sarcopenia included age (OR = 1.094, 95% CI: 1.017–1.177, p = .016) and body mass index (OR = 0.736, 95% CI: 0.626–0.865, p < .001)

Recommendation The findings of this study highlight the necessity of early screening for sarcopenia, particularly among older adults with low body mass index. Moreover, the development and implementation of programs aimed at enhancing muscle strength and physical performance from the early stages may help mitigate the adverse consequences of sarcopenia and promote overall quality of life among community-dwelling older adults in urban Bangkok.