Sarcopenia prevalence and its correlations with age-related disorders among community-dwelling Palestinian older adults

Background & aims. Sarcopenia is an age-related disorder characterized by gradual loss of muscle mass and strength. It has considerable prevalence and health implications among older adults. This study aims to determine the prevalence of Sarcopenia and its correlation with age-related disorders among community-dwelling older adults in two rural areas in Hebron city, Palestine. Methods. A cross-sectional survey design was utilized to analyze data collected from 145 participants (72 males and 78 females) aged ≥ 60 years old. The EWGSOP criteria were used to define Sarcopenia, and the anthropometric measurements, body composition and Mini-Nutritional Assessment were used to assess participants’ nutrition status. The functional status assessment was done based on daily living activities and instrumental activity of daily living; the cognitive function was assessed using the validated Arabic version of MoCA-B; and screening for depressive symptoms was done using the Arabic version of GDS-15. Results. Sarcopenia prevalence was 26.9%, significantly higher among men 35.7% compared to women 18.7%. Sarcopenia was associated with higher BMI, lower cognitive function, lower functional status, and a higher score of depressive symptoms (p < 0.05). Conclusions. Sarcopenia has a considerable prevalence among the study sample, and it is associated with nutritional status, impaired functional status and cognitive status. The study recommends further research utilizing different study designs (quantitative and qualitative) to determine the prevalence of Sarcopenia, causes and risk factors in other areas of Palestine.