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ABSTRACT Aims Sarcopenia is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. The SARC‐F self‐rated questionnaire is a simple tool that can be rapidly implemented by clinicians to identify individuals with probable sarcopenia who may require further in‐depth assessment. A score ≥ 4 is predictive of sarcopenia and poorer outcomes. We sought to identify the prevalence and demographic correlates of probable sarcopenia in a newly formed cohort of community‐dwelling older adults. Methods A cross‐sectional analysis of 480 participants (219 men and 261 women) identified from primary care in whom a questionnaire ascertaining demographic, lifestyle factors, comorbidities, nutrition risk and SARC‐F score was completed between 2021 and 2022. Participant characteristics in relation to probable sarcopenia were examined using sex‐stratified logistic regression. Age was included as a covariate. Results The median (lower quartile, upper quartile) age was 79.8 (76.9, 83.5) years. 12.8% (28) of men and 23% (60) of women had probable sarcopenia. Older age was associated with probable sarcopenia in both sexes (odds ratio 95% CI: men 1.10 1.02, 1.19, p = 0.01; women 1.08 1.02, 1.14, p = 0.01) as was higher malnutrition risk score (men: 1.30 1.12, 1.51, p = 0.001; women: 1.32 1.17, 1.50, p < 0.001 per unit increase). Among men, being married or in a civil partnership or cohabiting was protective against probable sarcopenia (0.39 0.17, 0.89, p = 0.03) as was reporting drinking any alcohol (0.34 0.13, 0.92, p = 0.03), whereas in women generally similar relationships were seen though these were weaker. Higher BMI (1.14 (1.07, 1.22), p < 0.001 per unit increase) and more comorbidities (1.61 1.34, 1.94, p < 0.001 per extra medical condition) were also associated with probable sarcopenia in women. Conclusions Probable sarcopenia (SARC‐F score ≥ 4) was common in older adults living in their own homes. In addition to advancing age and malnutrition, socio‐demographic factors were also important. Patients with a higher SARC‐F and who are living with associated risk factors should be prioritised for further in‐depth assessment for sarcopenia to allow the planning and implementation of interventions to mitigate potential adverse consequences.
Patel et al. (Sat,) studied this question.