Factors associated with the risk of sarcopenia in older adults in Cuenca, Ecuador

Introduction. TSeveral factors contribute to prevent the risk of sarcopenia in older adults and maintain health. Objective: To determine the relationship between risk of sarcopenia and nutritional status, diet quality, and physical activity in older adults attending public health centers in Cuenca, Ecuador. Methodology: Analytical cross-sectional study in 189 older adults from the city of Cuenca. Sociodemographic characteristics, nutritional status, diet quality, physical activity and risk of sarcopenia, were determined. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis were performed for the analysis. The Chi square test was used (p < 0.05). Results: The mean age of the participants was 74 years (±6.23) with a higher participation of women (69.8%), and primary education (68.3%). 32.3% were overweight and 19.6% were obese. 6.9% of older adults had a healthy diet and about 30% of participants were at risk for sarcopenia. Approximately 70% of older adults had moderate or high physical activity. An association was found between the risk of sarcopenia in women and physical inactivity (p<0.05). Discussion: Several studies have shown that lack of physical activity contributes to the risk of sarcopenia in older adults, which is consistent with thisstudy. Other variables did not show a relationship, possibly due to the specific characteristics of this population group. Conclusions: The prevalence of risk for sarcopenia was high, which may affect the health of older adults. It is necessary to promote physical activity, healthy eating and maintaining an adequate weight in this age group.