Sarcopenia in older in/outpatients: a cross-sectional study of prevalence and associated factors in Vietnam

Although many factors are reportedly associated with sarcopenia, these associations have not been investigated holistically. In a study of older patients in Vietnam, we assessed overall health status, measured the prevalence of sarcopenia, and identified associated factors. In a cross-sectional study at Hanoi National Geriatric Hospital (Hanoi, Vietnam), 1160 patients aged ≥ 65 were included prospectively. Patients underwent a multidomain geriatric assessment that included comorbidities, cognitive performance, mood, autonomy, muscle strength, muscle mass, physical performance, and nutritional status. Frailty was assessed using Fried’s model and the multidomain Short Emergency Geriatric Assessment (SEGA). Bio-electrical impedance was used to assess body mass index (BMI), appendicular skeletal muscle mass index, and phase angle. Sarcopenia was defined as concurrent low muscle mass and low muscle strength (2019 Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) cut-off values), without considering poor physical performance. Logistic regression models with Fried’s model or the SEGA were adjusted for age, sex, and inpatient/outpatient status and used to identify factors associated with sarcopenia. The mean (SD) age was 75.6 (7.7); 67.9% were female. The prevalence of sarcopenia was 38.6% [95% confidence interval (CI): 35.8–41.4%]. Patients with sarcopenia were significantly older and more likely to be male and inpatients ( p < 0.01). In multivariable analyses, living in a rural area (odds ratio (OR) 1.54, 95%CI: 1.11–2.13), not living with family (OR 1.94, 95%CI: 1.08–3.46), having a lower phase angle (OR 2.69, 95%CI: 1.54–4.74 and 2.77, 95%CI: 1.48–4.67 for the two lowest quartiles), cognitive impairment (OR 1.66, 95%CI: 1.15–2.41), a lower BMI (normal, OR 3.03, 95%CI: 2.15–4.27; underweight, OR 17.35, 95%CI: 9.36–32.12), and being frail (OR 2.09, 95% CI: 1.40–3.12) or very frail (OR 2.26, 95%CI: 1.17–4.37) (according to SEGA) were independently associated with sarcopenia. The regressions using Fried’s phenotype gave similar results. Over a third of older in/outpatients had sarcopenia, according to the 2025 AWGS criteria. Our results highlight the importance of integrated, comprehensive geriatric assessment strategies and emphasize the need to screen routinely for sarcopenia in hospital settings – particularly among inpatients, men, the oldest patients, and patients who are socially isolated, frail, or cognitively impaired.