Prevalence of and risk factors for pre-sarcopenia among healthcare professionals

Abstract

Summary: Objectives: Sarcopenia, characterized by a progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and function, constitutes a health issue that remains largely undiagnosed. Few studies focused on the presence of sarcopenia in healthcare professionals. This study examined the prevalence of and risk factors for sarcopenia among this cohort. Methods: For this cross-sectional study, we recruited healthcare professionals from the National Cheng Kung University Hospital in Taiwan. Sarcopenia was defined in accordance with the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (2010) and the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (2019) guidelines. Skeletal muscle mass indices were measured via bioelectrical impedance analysis. Muscle strength was evaluated with a hand-grip test and physical performance was assessed based on 6-meter walk gait speed. Hormone levels were examined. Logistic regression was used to determine the prevalence of sarcopenia and its risk factors. Results: One hundred participants (41.8 ± 13.3 years, 53% female) were recruited. The overall prevalence of sarcopenia was 22.0% (male/female: 4%/18%), with most cases identified as pre-sarcopenia (19.0%). Logistic regression revealed age, alcohol consumption, calf circumference, protein mass, and serum albumin concentration were associated with sarcopenia. Conclusions: This is the first study to investigate sarcopenia in healthcare professionals. The findings indicate a high prevalence of pre-sarcopenia associated with higher age, smaller calf circumference, lower protein mass and serum albumin concentration. Light alcohol consumption may have a protective effect. Our results emphasize the importance of paying special attention to the impact of sarcopenia in the healthcare industry and raising awareness of its potential harm.

Keywords

• Sarcopenia
• Pre-sarcopenia
• Healthcare professional
• Risk factors