An evaluation of the prevalence of probable sarcopenia in older adults in a single centre in Trinidad and Tobago

Abstract

Objectives To assess the prevalence of probable sarcopenia, defined as weak handgrip strength, in community dwelling older adults, for a cohort in Trinidad and Tobago, using guidelines issued by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2 (EWGSOP2). Secondly, to investigate the association between probable sarcopenia and factors such as sex, age, ethnicity, diabetes, metformin usage, protein intake, multiple comorbidities, level of alcohol consumption and physical activity. Method This was a cross-sectional cohort study comprising of adults aged ≥ 60 years. SARC-F scores ≥ 4 were used to screen for probable sarcopenia and the EWGSOP2 criteria, low grip strength (< 27 kg for males and < 16 kg for females) were used for assessment. Statistically significant associations were determined using both Chi Squared and Logistic Regression analysis. Results A total of 143 adults were enrolled. The prevalence of probable sarcopenia within the cohort was 30.8% overall. In females it was 22.6% [n=84, mean age 75.9 years, standard deviation (8.07)] and in males 42.4% [n =59, mean age 75.7 years (6.28)]. Factors associated with probable sarcopenia were female sex (p = 0.01), age (p = 0.001), East Indian ethnicity (p = 0.001), SARC-F score >4 (p<0.001), number of diseases (p = 0.04), and minimal physical activity (p=0.01). In multivariate analyses, only socio-demographic variables and SARC-F but no lifestyle factors were significantly associated with probable sarcopenia. Conclusion This study found that almost 1 in every 3 persons of age above 60 years had probable sarcopenia, which was more common in males than in females. Age, sex, race, and SARC-F were significantly associated with probable sarcopenia in adjusted analyses.