PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF SARCOPENIA IN LUNG CANCER PATIENTS UNDERGOING CHEMOTHERAPY: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY AT A TERTIARY HOSPITAL IN VIETNAM

Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence of sarcopenia and its associated factors in lung cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy at a tertiary hospital in Vietnam. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 89 lung cancer patients. Sarcopenia was assessed using the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) 2019 criteria, including measurements of handgrip strength (HGS), appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM), and physical performance. Logistic regression analysis identified factors associated with sarcopenia. Results: The mean age of participants was 62.6 ± 9.8 years; 78.7% were male. The prevalence of sarcopenia was 39.3%, with 40.4% of patients having reduced ASM. Malnutrition (Body mass index (BMI) < 18.5) was found in 15.7% of patients. Logistic regression analysis revealed significant associations between sarcopenia and male gender (OR = 8.19), lower hemoglobin levels (OR = 0.96), and increased lymphocyte counts (OR = 1.05). Patients with normal BMI (18.5 - 23) and high BMI (≥ 23) had lower odds of sarcopenia compared to those with BMI < 18.5. Conclusion: Sarcopenia is prevalent among lung cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Male gender, low BMI, low HGB, and high lymphocyte counts are associated with increased sarcopenia risk in lung cancer patients, whereas normal to high BMI offers protective effects.