Associated factors of sarcopenia among urban community-dwelling older adults in West Jakarta: A cross-sectional study

TL;DR

This study identifies factors like older age, obesity, and impaired smell linked to sarcopenia in older adults in West Jakarta.

Contribution

The study is one of the first to explore the association between olfactory function and sarcopenia in an urban Indonesian population.

Findings

Sarcopenia was significantly associated with older age, obesity, impaired olfactory function, and frailty.

Impaired instrumental activities of daily living and unemployment were also linked to sarcopenia.

Abstract

Sarcopenia has many risk factors and an increased likelihood of adverse effects. However, the exact mechanism of how these risk factors cause sarcopenia remains to be elucidated. This study aimed to evaluate the association between physical components, olfactory function impairment and sarcopenia in urban communities.

This cross-sectional study involved 334 participants aged 60 years and above residing in urban villages in West Jakarta. The medical history, physical ability, cognitive function and olfactory function of participants were examined. Physical ability was assessed based on activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). Regarding olfactory function, six scratch test-type odours common in Indonesia were used. Sarcopenia was measured based on muscle mass, muscle strength and physical performance. Binary logistic analysis and backward logistic regression analysis were utilised to explore the association of sarcopenia with the other variables.

Sarcopenia was significantly associated with older age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=2.613, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.471-4.640), obesity (AOR=0.190 (0.110-0.329), impaired olfactory function (AOR=1.822, 95% CI=1.086-3.056) and frailty (AOR=3.117, 95% CI=1.375-7.064).

The associated factors of sarcopenia include olfactory function, older age, unemployment, impaired IADLs, obesity and frailty.