The prevalence and risk factors of sarcopenia among Thai community-dwelling older adults as defined by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS-2019) criteria: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors for sarcopenia and severe sarcopenia among urban community-dwelling adults in Thailand, using the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS-2019) criteria.

Methods: This cross-sectional study comprising 892 older adults aged > 60 years analyzed data from a cohort study (Bangkok Falls study; 2019-2021). The appendicular skeletal muscle mass was evaluated using the Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) method. Physical performance and muscle strength were evaluated using the five-time sit-to-stand and handgrip strength tests, respectively. Logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with sarcopenia.

Results: The prevalence rates of sarcopenia and severe sarcopenia were 22.2% and 9.4%, respectively. Age ≥ 70 years (adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 2.40; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.67-3.45), body mass index (BMI) of < 18.5 kg/m² (aOR, 8.79; 95% CI, 4.44-17.39), Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) score of < 24 (aOR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.24-2.48), and a six-item cognitive screening test score of ≥ 8 (aOR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.08-12.15) were associated with sarcopenia. Likewise, age ≥ 70 years, BMI < 18.5 kg/m², and an MNA score of < 24 predicted severe sarcopenia.

Conclusion: One-third of the urban community-dwelling older Thai adults had sarcopenia or severe sarcopenia. The age ≥ 70 years, low BMI, and inadequate nutrition increased the risk of both sarcopenia and severe sarcopenia while impaired cognitive functions predicted only sarcopenia in this population.

Keywords: Community-dwelling older adults; Risk factors; Sarcopenia; Urban.