Insights into sarcopenia awareness among trainee physicians: a survey-based analysis of a university hospital, Thailand.

Background: Sarcopenia is associated with a decline in functionality and disability among older adults. Extensive research has been conducted on the subject matter of sarcopenia; nevertheless, there is a paucity of studies documenting the extent to which practicing physicians are integrating sarcopenia into their clinical practice in the Asian context.

Objectives: To examine trainee physicians' attitude and knowledge in sarcopenia and factors associated with higher scores on knowledge in sarcopenia.

Methods: An electronic survey of trainee physicians of the Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Thailand was conducted from November 2022 to December 2023. The survey consisted of questionnaires designed to assess both attitude and knowledge toward sarcopenia. All trainees were invited to participate, and the completed questionnaires were subsequently returned to the researchers for analysis.

Results: A total of 211 trainees enrolled; most of them were familiar with "sarcopenia" (70.1%) but lack of confidence in diagnosis, prevention, and management. The total scores on general knowledge about sarcopenia were 22 out of 30 (73.3%). They scored well in the area of "etiology" (75%) and "terminology and importance" (70%) but fair in "diagnosis" (62.5%) and "management and prevention" (62.5%). The lower age of the trainee physicians, increased years of practice, and "training in internal medicine" were associated with higher scores.

Conclusions: Trainee physicians were aware of the term "sarcopenia" but had limited knowledge in diagnosis, prevention, and management. Certain factors related to better scores on the knowledge evaluation were identified.