Prevalence of sarcopenia and factors related to sarcopenia in the community-dwelling elderly

Sarcopenia is a geriatric syndrome characterized with loss of muscle mass, muscle performance and muscle strength. Sarcopenia causes many disorders, lowers quality of life, increases dependency, inpatient admissions and mortality. The aim of this study is to determine sarcopenia prevalence and affecting factors in Bornova district of Izmir aged 65 years and older people. The population of this cross-sectional study is 28,323 people aged 65 years and older living in centre of Bornova district, Izmir. Minimum sample size was calculated by assuming sarcopenia prevalence is 10% with 2% error and %95 confidence limit. Twenty percent of this minimum sample size was added for non-response. One thousand and seven individuals were targeted to reach. The dependent variable is having sarcopenia and diagnosis was made on the basis of European Working Group on Sarcopenia for Older People algorithm- EWGSOP (gait speed, grip strength and calf circumference). Independent variables were socio-demographic and economic features, healthy life behaviours and health condition. Data were collected by interviewers at home with face-to-face interview and analysed using chi-square and logistic regression analysis. The response rate was 90.3%. Mean age is 72.8±6.2 (65-100), 60.2% were female (n=582). The prevalence of sarcopenia is 5.2% (4.1% in females, 6.7% in males, 3.0% in 65-74 age group, 8.6% in 75-84 age group and 21.9% in 85 years and older). The prevalence of having low gait speed is 41.0%, low grip strength 57.0%, low calf circumference 6.1%. The prevalence having both low gait speed and low grip strength 14.3%. Increase in age (OR 1.084, 95% CI=1.022-1.15, p=0.007), physical inactivity (OR=3.924, 95% CI=1.278-12.014, p=0.017), low body mass index (BMI) (OR=29.118, 95% CI=11.076-76.549, p<0.001) and having malnutrition risk or malnutrition (OR=7.950, %95GA=3.017-20.953, p<0.001) increase sarcopenia risk. In conclusion prevalence of sarcopenia is quite high in this population. Increase in age, physical inactivity, low BMI, having malnutrition risk or malnutrition are risk factors for having sarcopenia.