Prevalence and Risk Factors of Sarcopenia Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand.

BACKGROUND

There is limited evidence regarding sarcopenia in Thailand, especially in southern provinces when applying the AWGS-2019 criteria.

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to determine the prevalence and independent risk factors of sarcopenia among community-dwelling older adults in Nakhon Si Thammarat.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 246 adults aged 60 years or older. Sarcopenia was defined using the AWGS-2019 criteria. Data collection comprised the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF), Abbreviated Mental Test (AMT), and physical performance assessments. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors, incorporating both categorical and continuous variables.

RESULTS

The prevalence of sarcopenia was 27.64%. Multivariable analysis identified age of ≥80 years or older (AOR = 4.25, 95% CI: 1.12-16.14; p = 0.033) and body mass index (BMI) below 18.5 kg/m2 (AOR = 3.58, 95% CI: 1.20-10.65; p = 0.022) as significant risk factors. Protective factors included attainment of secondary education or higher (AOR = 0.12, 95% CI: 0.02-0.78; p = 0.025), BMI of 23.0 kg/m2 or greater (AOR = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.09-0.40; p < 0.001), engagement in regular physical activity (AOR = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.08-0.54; p = 0.001), and normal nutritional status (AOR = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.08-0.71; p = 0.010). Further continuous analysis confirmed that each 5-year increase in age significantly increased the risk of sarcopenia (AOR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.14-2.03; p = 0.005), while each 1 kg/m2 increase in BMI was associated with a protective effect (AOR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.69-0.88; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Sarcopenia is common among older adults in Southern Thailand. Both categorical and continuous analyses identify advanced age as a primary risk factor. In contrast, higher education, optimal body mass index, regular physical activity, and adequate nutrition serve as important protective factors. These results highlight the importance of community-based screening and targeted interventions that address nutritional adequacy and structured exercise to enhance quality of life in this population.