Prevalence and associated factors of sarcopenia among community-dwelling older adults in Vietnam: A cross-sectional study

Sarcopenia is a geriatric syndrome characterized by age-related declines in skeletal muscle mass, strength, and physical performance. Despite its clinical relevance, it is frequently under-recognized because it is often considered a normal consequence of aging, even though it is associated with adverse outcomes such as functional impairment, falls, hospitalization, and mortality. Therefore, early identification and targeted nutritional and physical interventions are essential. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of sarcopenia and its associated factors among community-dwelling older adults in a developing-country setting. A cross-sectional study was conducted in January 2024 among 660 community-dwelling older adults in Can Gio District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Sarcopenia was defined according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 criteria, incorporating handgrip strength, 6-m walking speed, and skeletal muscle mass assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Participants underwent standardized anthropometric measurements, physical performance assessments, and nutritional evaluations using body mass index and Mini Nutritional Assessment. Sociodemographic, clinical, frailty, and lifestyle data were collected. Associations with sarcopenia were examined using prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Sarcopenia was identified in 42.4% (280/660; 95% CI: 38.6%–46.3%) of the participants. In the fully adjusted model, sarcopenia was independently associated with frailty (adjusted PR [aPR] = 1.72; 95% CI: 1.07–2.76), multimorbidity (aPR = 1.23; 95% CI: 1.04–1.45), and underweight status (aPR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.27–1.68). A lower prevalence of sarcopenia was observed among participants who were overweight or obese (aPR = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.36–0.54), physically active (aPR = 0.81; 95% CI: 0.69–0.95), or reported no low family economic status (aPR = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.70–0.97). Sarcopenia was highly prevalent among community-dwelling older adults and independently associated with frailty, multimorbidity, and nutritional status, underscoring the need for early community-based screening and integrated nutritional and physical interventions.