Prevalence of Sarcopenia and its Risk Factors in Community-dwelling Older People during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Purpose: Sarcopenia is a state of reduced muscle function that can lead to increased falls, fractures, and mortality in the older population. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of sarcopenia and its related risk factors in older adults in the community during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.Methods: This cross-sectional study investigated sarcopenia, muscle strength, physical performance, fear of COVID-19, distress, and depression in 103 community-dwelling older individuals over 65 years of age.Results: The prevalence of sarcopenia among older people in the community was 4.8% and 29.1% in men and women, respectively. Age (odds ratio [OR]=14.48, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.48~141.40), gender (OR=6.69, 95% CI=1.11~40.06), physical performance (OR=7.41, 95% CI=1.55~35.21) and depression (OR=5.29, 95% CI=1.16~24.06) were significant risk factors for sarcopenia, but COVID-19-related factors were not significant (<i>p</i>>.05).Conclusion: Preventive measures for sarcopenia in older people are urgently required. Since depression and physical performance are the main factors influencing sarcopenia, it is suggested to develop an intervention to prevent sarcopenia in older people.