Prevalence and associated risk factors of sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults in Pakistan: a cross-sectional study

Background Advancements in medical facilities have led to an increase in global life expectancy, emphasizing the need to address age-related health issues. Sarcopenia, characterized by muscle mass loss, poses significant challenges for older adults. Despite a higher prevalence in Asian populations, there is a remarkable absence of studies addressing sarcopenia among the older adults in Pakistan. This research aims to determine sarcopenia prevalence, identify risk factors, and explore gender- and age-specific patterns among older adults in Pakistan. Methods A cross-sectional study involving 142 participants (65 males, 77 females) aged 60 and above was conducted using DEXA scans. Over a six-month period from January to June 2023, data were collected from the Islamabad Diagnostic Centre. This comprehensive dataset covered anthropometric measurements, body composition details, and health parameters. Statistical analyses, including logistic regression, were employed to examine the associations between sarcopenia and various factors. Results Sarcopenia manifested in 47.18% of the older adult population (n = 142), with a distribution of 39 males (60%) and 28 females (36.36%). The investigation unveiled a compelling correlation between underweight status and sarcopenia across genders. Indeed, males exhibited a significant negative correlation between skeletal muscle mass index and age, whereas females did not show a statistically significant association. Males presented higher odds of sarcopenia in comparison to females (Odds Ratio [OR] = 2.63, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.33-5.18, p = 0.005). Age (OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.02-1.22, p = 0.014), lower BMI (OR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.20-0.60, p < 0.001), and reduced body fat percentage (OR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.31-2.33, p < 0.001) emerged as significant contributors to sarcopenia. These detailed gender-specific findings emphasize the importance of customizing intervention strategies to address gender disparities in sarcopenia risk factors. Conclusion This study highlights the significant prevalence of sarcopenia among older adults in Pakistan, with distinct gender and age-related patterns observed. The overall prevalence of sarcopenia was found to be 47.18%, with higher rates among males compared to females. Age emerged as a significant risk factor, with each additional year increasing the odds of sarcopenia. Furthermore, weight, BMI, lean mass, and total body fat demonstrated important associations with sarcopenia prevalence, highlighting the multifaceted nature of this condition. The practical implications of this study emphasize the need for targeted screening programs and personalized interventions to mitigate sarcopenia's impact, informing healthcare policies and public health strategies in Pakistan.