# Association of Nutritional Status and Possible Sarcopenia Among Formerly Older Homeless Adults in Supportive Housing, Thailand

## TL;DR

This study found that many older adults who were once homeless in Thailand show signs of sarcopenia, likely due to poor nutrition and low body weight.

## Contribution

The study provides new evidence on the high prevalence of possible sarcopenia and its link to malnutrition in formerly homeless older adults in Thailand.

## Key findings

- 78.4% of participants showed signs of possible sarcopenia.
- Malnutrition and low BMI were significant predictors of sarcopenia.
- Nutritional screening and interventions are needed for this vulnerable group.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: Possible sarcopenia and malnutrition are critical public health concerns among older adults, particularly in vulnerable populations such as those with a history of homelessness. However, limited evidence exists on the nutritional status and muscle health of this group in Thailand. Methods: This study aimed to assess the nutritional status of formerly homeless older adults residing in supportive housing in Thailand and examine its association with possible sarcopenia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 116 participants aged 50 years and older. Sociodemographic information was collected using a structured questionnaire. Nutritional status was then assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment short form (MNA-SF) and body mass index (BMI). Possible sarcopenia was determined based on the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) 2019 criteria, including low calf circumference, reduced handgrip strength, and/or low gait speed. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Results: Of all participants, 66.4% were male, with a mean age of 59.14 years (SD = 7.791). A total of 78.4% were identified as having possible sarcopenia. Univariate analysis revealed significant associations between possible sarcopenia and malnutrition (OR = 6.111, 95% CI = 2.104–17.750), low BMI (OR = 16.784, 95% CI = 3.729–75.535), and waist circumference (OR = 0.129, 95% CI = 0.049–0.342). Multivariate logistic regression indicated that malnutrition (OR = 3.429, 95% CI = 1.093–10.763) and low BMI (OR = 11.732, 95% CI = 2.523–54.567) were significant predictors of possible sarcopenia, collectively explaining 33.8% of the variance. Conclusions: The findings underscore a high prevalence of possible sarcopenia among formerly homeless older adults in supportive housing in Thailand and highlight poor nutritional status, particularly low BMI and malnutrition, as a key contributing factor. These results emphasize the importance of early nutritional screening and interventions to prevent or delay sarcopenia in this vulnerable population.