Prevalence and Risk Factors of Sarcopenia Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand

BACKGROUND: There is limited evidence regarding sarcopenia in Thailand, especially in southern provinces when applying the AWGS-2019 criteria. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to determine the prevalence and independent risk factors of sarcopenia among community-dwelling older adults in Nakhon Si Thammarat. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 246 adults aged 60 years or older. Sarcopenia was defined using the AWGS-2019 criteria. Data collection comprised the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF), Abbreviated Mental Test (AMT), and physical performance assessments. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors, incorporating both categorical and continuous variables. RESULTS: The prevalence of sarcopenia was 27.64%. Multivariable analysis identified age of ≥80 years or older (AOR = 4.25, 95% CI: 1.12-16.14; p = 0.033) and body mass index (BMI) below 18.5 kg/m² (AOR = 3.58, 95% CI: 1.20-10.65; p = 0.022) as significant risk factors. Protective factors included attainment of secondary education or higher (AOR = 0.12, 95% CI: 0.02-0.78; p = 0.025), BMI of 23.0 kg/m² or greater (AOR = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.09-0.40; p < 0.001), engagement in regular physical activity (AOR = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.08-0.54; p = 0.001), and normal nutritional status (AOR = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.08-0.71; p = 0.010). Further continuous analysis confirmed that each 5-year increase in age significantly increased the risk of sarcopenia (AOR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.14-2.03; p = 0.005), while each 1 kg/m² increase in BMI was associated with a protective effect (AOR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.69-0.88; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Sarcopenia is common among older adults in Southern Thailand. Both categorical and continuous analyses identify advanced age as a primary risk factor. In contrast, higher education, optimal body mass index, regular physical activity, and adequate nutrition serve as important protective factors. These results highlight the importance of community-based screening and targeted interventions that address nutritional adequacy and structured exercise to enhance quality of life in this population.