Factors associated with the risk of sarcopenia in older adults in Cuenca, Ecuador

Introduction. TSeveral factors contribute to prevent the risk of sarcopenia in older adults and maintain health. Objective: To determine the relationship between risk of sarcopenia and nutritional status, diet quality, and physical activity in older adults attending public health centers in Cuenca, Ecuador. Methodology: Analytical cross-sectional study in 189 older adults from the city of Cuenca. Sociodemographic characteristics, nutritional status, diet quality, physical activity and risk of sarcopenia, were determined. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis were performed for the analysis. The Chi square test was used (p < 0.05). Results: The mean age of the participants was 74 years (±6.23) with a higher participation of women (69.8%), and primary education (68.3%). 32.3% were overweight and 19.6% were obese. 6.9% of older adults had a healthy diet and about 30% of participants were at risk for sarcopenia. Approximately 70% of older adults had moderate or high physical activity. An association was found between the risk of sarcopenia in women and physical inactivity (p