Association between sarcopenia and functionality in older adults in the Peruvian Amazon.

Abstract

Objectives: To analyze the relationship between sarcopenia and functional dependence in older adults in the Peruvian Amazon.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted based on a se-condary data analysis of the Amazon Frail study that included older adults (60 years or older). Sarcopenia was assessed using the criteria established by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia, which include the measurement of muscle strength, muscle mass, and physical performance; and functionality, using the Barthel scale. In addition, sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics, as well as medical and personal history, were included. A Poisson regression analysis with robust variance was performed to es-timate crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (PR), with their respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI).

Results: A total of 315 older adults were included in the analysis, of whom 193 (n=61.3%) were women. It was found that 113 (n=35.9%) presented sarcopenia and 115 (n=36.5%) had functional dependence. In the adjusted Poisson regression analysis, it was found that sarcopenia was significantly associated with a higher probability of functional dependence (PR=1.43; 95%CI: 1.05-1.95). Furthermore, frailty (PR=2.07; 95%CI: 1.27-3.38), subjective memory complaint (PR=1.40; 95%CI: 1.02-1.91), and hearing loss (PR=1.53; 95%CI: 1.09-2.14) were also factors associated with greater functional dependence.

Conclusions: In rural Ama-zonian communities, sarcopenia in older adults is associated with functional dependence. Its early identi-fication is fundamental to prevent functional dependence and guide comprehensive health interventions.