# Evaluation of the knowledge, perception, and practice of nurses regarding sarcopenia: a descriptive study

## TL;DR

This study shows that many nurses lack knowledge about sarcopenia, a condition causing muscle loss in older adults, and highlights the need for better education and tools.

## Contribution

The study is one of the first to systematically assess nurses' knowledge and practices regarding sarcopenia.

## Key findings

- Over half of the nurses reported limited knowledge of sarcopenia and were unsure if it is preventable.
- Most nurses had not received recent sarcopenia education and did not use objective assessment tools.
- Many nurses confused sarcopenia with frailty and incorrectly estimated age-related muscle decline.

## Abstract

Sarcopenia contributes to functional decline and adverse outcomes in older adults, yet little is known about nurses’ knowledge and practices regarding this condition. This study described nurses’ self-perceived knowledge, perceptions, and practices related to sarcopenia.

A descriptive, online survey was used to assess 109 nurses regarding sarcopenia.

Over half of the nurses reported limited knowledge of sarcopenia and were unsure whether it is preventable; 15.6% believed it was not preventable. Most had not received recent sarcopenia education (94.5%), were unfamiliar with diagnostic criteria (95.4%), and did not use objective assessment tools (96.3%). Nearly half overestimated the age at which muscle mass and strength begin to decline, and only 4.6% correctly identified sex-specific grip strength cut-offs. Confusion with frailty criteria was common (23.8%).

Findings reveal substantial gaps in nurses’ knowledge and practice regarding sarcopenia in older adults. Enhanced education, clinical guidelines, and standardized assessment processes are needed to support timely recognition and management.