Expert Forum
The prevalence of sarcopenia and its related factors among China's elderly population aged 60 and over
Sun Chao, Hou Liming, Jian Weiming, Gong Yingjun, Wang Xiaoming
Published 2021-08-14
Cite as Chin J Geriatr, 2021, 40(8): 981-986. DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.0254-9026.2021.08.009
Abstract
ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence of sarcopenia among community-dwelling Chinese elderly and to explore the related factors.
MethodsData were obtained from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey(CHARLS)in 2015, an open national database.According to the criteria of the Asian Working Group(AWGS)on Sarcopenia in 2014, a cross-sectional survey was conducted on 7 584 Chinese residents aged 60 years and over who had undergone the standard sarcopenia test.General socio-demographic characteristics and living habits were compared between different gender groups.The prevalence of sarcopenia was analyzed with stratification.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze risk factors for sarcopenia.
ResultsThe overall prevalence of sarcopenia was 6.4%(95%CI: 5.9-7.0)among the Chinese population aged 60 years or older.In the stratified analysis, the prevalence of sarcopenia was higher in males(9.9%, 95%CI: 9.0-10.9)than in females(3.0%, 95%CI: 2.4-3.5), in rural areas(7.2%, 95%CI: 6.5-7.9)than in urban areas(4.3%, 95%CI: 3.4-5.2), and in smokers(8.8%, 95%CI: 7.6-10.0)than in non-smokers(4.2%, 95%CI: 3.6-4.8). Multivariate Logistic regression showed that male gender(OR=5.368, 95%CI: 4.126-6.985)and old age(OR=1.191, 95%CI: 1.172-1.210)were risk factors for sarcopenia.In addition, the occurrence of sarcopenia was significantly associated with physical pain(OR=2.181, 95%CI: 1.695-2.673), alcohol consumption(OR=1.426, 95%CI: 1.057-1.923), low education level(OR=2.875, 95%CI: 1.577-5.241), increased waist circumference(OR=0.982, 95%CI: 0.973-0.990), decreased peak expiratory flow(OR=0.995, 95%CI: 0.994-0.997)and increased cystatin C levels(OR=2.088, 95%CI: 1.247-3.495)(P<0.05).
ConclusionsThe prevalence of sarcopenia is high among community-dwelling elderly in China, and the occurrence of sarcopenia is closely related to age, gender, education level, Waist circumference and alcohol consumption.
Key words:
Sarcopenia; Prevalence
Contributor Information
Sun Chao
Department of Geriatrics, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi′an 710032, China
Hou Liming
Department of Geriatrics, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi′an 710032, China
Jian Weiming
Department of Geriatrics, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi′an 710032, China
Gong Yingjun
Department of Geriatrics, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi′an 710032, China
Wang Xiaoming
Department of Geriatrics, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi′an 710032, China
