Prevalence of Probable Sarcopenia and Associated Lifestyle Factors among Elderly Retired Nigerian Soldiers

Abstract

Background: Probable Sarcopenia is the age-related decline in muscle strength. It is a pre-sarcopenic state that is amenable to lifestyle modification. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of probable sarcopenia and the modifiable lifestyle factors associated with it among the elderly retired Nigerian soldiers.

Methodology: The study was a hospital based cross sectional study. Eligible participants were recruited for the study using a systematic random sampling method. A total of 327 participants were recruited for the study. Data on demographic characteristics and lifestyle risk factors were obtained. Probable sarcopenia was diagnosed by low grip strength. Frequency of the risk factors were determined, Chi square test was used to test for the association between the risk factors and probable sarcopenia. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify the independent predictive risk factor associated with probable sarcopenia among the participants.

Result: The proportion of the study participants found to have probable sarcopenia was 63.3%. Lack of regular physical exercise was the only lifestyle risk factor that showed significant association with probable sarcopenia (P < 0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that lack of regular physical exercise is an independent predictor of probable sarcopenia among the participants.

Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of probable sarcopenia among elderly retired Nigerian soldiers. Routine screening by healthcare providers with hand-held dynamometer is recommended for its early identification and adoption of regular physical exercise as a lifestyle after retirement can prevent its progression.