Associations of sleep quality, nutrition, community participation, cognitive function, depressive symptoms, and fall risk in older adults with dynapenic abdominal obesity: a cross-sectional study

TL;DR

This study explores how factors like sleep, nutrition, and social engagement affect fall risk in older adults with dynapenic abdominal obesity.

Contribution

The study identifies specific modifiable factors associated with fall risk in older adults with dynapenic abdominal obesity.

Findings

Malnutrition, low community participation, cognitive decline, and depressive symptoms are significant predictors of fall risk.

Nutritional status had the highest odds ratio for fall risk among the studied factors.

Sleep quality was not a significant predictor in the multivariable model.

Abstract

Dynapenic abdominal obesity (DAO) is known to increase the risk of physical decline and falls in older adults. However, it is still unclear how different factors—such as sleep quality, nutrition, social participation, cognition, and mood—work together to influence this risk. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with fall risk—specifically sleep quality, nutritional status, community participation, cognitive function, and depressive symptoms—among community-dwelling older adults with dynapenic abdominal obesity.

We conducted a cross-sectional study with 180 adults aged 65 and above. Validated questionnaires were used to measure sleep quality, nutritional status, community participation, cognitive function, depressive symptoms, and fall risk. Data were analyzed using t-tests, ANOVA, and logistic regression.

Although poor sleep showed differences in the univariate analysis, it did not remain significant in the multivariable model. Older adults with malnutrition, lower community participation, cognitive decline, or depressive symptoms were more likely to have a higher fall risk. Logistic regression further indicated that nutritional status (OR = 7.03, p = .013), community participation (OR = 0.91, p = .031), cognition (OR = 6.18, p = .028), and depressive symptoms (OR = 9.23, p = .008) were significant predictors.

Fall risk in older adults with DAO is influenced by a mix of physical, psychological, and social factors. Community nurses and other health professionals should routinely check nutrition, cognitive function, and emotional health to identify those at higher risk early and provide more holistic, preventive care that supports safe aging.