High Prevalence of Probable Sarcopenia in a Representative Sample From Colombia: Implications for Geriatrics in Latin America

Objectives: The European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2 (EWGSOP2) recently defined the new concept of probable sarcopenia to help improve screening and prevent future sarcopenia. We investigated the prevalence of probable sarcopenia, defined as weak grip strength, in community-dwelling older Colombian adults, and examined the long-term associated conditions. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Urban and rural Colombian older adults from the “Estudio Nacional de Salud, Bienestar y Envejecimiento (SABE) study”. Participants: 5237 Colombian older adults aged ≥60 years. Measurements: Probable sarcopenia was assessed following the cut-off points for weak grip strength recommended by EWGSOP2 guidelines. Odds ratios (ORs) of the relationship between long-term conditions and probable sarcopenia were determined using logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of probable sarcopenia defined as weak grip strength was 46.5% [95% confidence interval (CI), 45.1-47.8]. Physical inactivity “proxy” (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.14-1.59); diabetes (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.11-1.56); and arthritis, osteoarthritis, and rheumatism (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.25-1.67) were independently associated with probable sarcopenia. Conclusions and Implications: We found that almost half of all the Colombian older adults in our sample had probable sarcopenia. Individuals with physical inactivity, diabetes, arthritis, or osteoarthritis and rheumatism had a higher prevalence of probable sarcopenia. Probable sarcopenia is clinically highly relevant, and several of the factors associated with this condition are potentially preventable, treatable, and reversible.