Nutrition and Psychosocial Factors were Associated with Possible Sarcopenia According to AWGS 2019

Background This study aimed to provide basic data for preventing and managing sarcopenia by identifying the relationship between sarcopenia, malnutrition, and psychosocial factors among the elderly in the community.Methods The study included 1,019 subjects aged 60 and over. “Possible sarcopenia (PS)” was defined by low handgrip strength with or without reduced physical performance. Nutrition was evaluated according to the mini nutritional assessment (MNA), and the psychosocial factors examined were self-efficacy, social isolation, fear of falling, and social capital (trust and participation). A logistic regression analysis was also performed on the relationship between risk of malnutrition, psychosocial factors, and PS.Results MNA was significantly associated with social participation (exp(B) = 1.747, p Conclusion The factors related to PS include risk of malnutrition, fear of falls, and self-efficacy, and social participation was associated with increased risk of malnutrition. In addition to the health program, it will be necessary to improve self-efficacy so that individuals feel they can do activities of daily living themselves and to reduce their fear of falling through muscle strength and balance exercises. Finally, it is also necessary to increase regular participation in community social activities.