GGM

Journal of Gerontology

and Geriatric MedicineISSNISSN 2697-4509 (Online)

GGM

Journal of Gerontology

and Geriatric MedicineISSN 2697-4509 (Online)

Article

ปีที่ 24 ฉบับที่ 2 กรกฎาคม-ธันวาคม 2025 (35-45)

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Sarcopenia Among Older Adults with Knee Osteoarthritis in a Suburban Thai Community

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Thasinee Suvittanatiti1, Wutichai Losawadkul2, Pakaratee Chaiyawat3

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1Department of Physical Therapy, Ban Pong Hospital, Ratchaburi Province, Thailand.
2Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Ban Pong Hospital, Ratchaburi Province, Thailand.
3Faculty of Physical Therapy, Mahidol University

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Abstract

Background and aims: Thailand is rapidly aging, with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) affecting over 16% of its older population. Sarcopenia, a critical issue for older adults, often co-occurs with KOA, leading to worsened functional decline, increased fall risk, and reduced quality of life. Although high prevalences of sarcopenia have been reported in urban Thai hospitals (e.g., 68.04% and 41.70% in separate studies), data from community settings remain limited. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of sarcopenia among older adults with KOA in Ratchaburi Province, Thailand. Materials and methods: A descriptive quantitative study was conducted with 120 adults aged > 60 years with physician-confirmed KOA, recruited from Ban Pong Hospital and affiliated primary care units. Sarcopenia risk was assessed using the Modified Mini Sarcopenia Risk Assessment-5 (MSRA-5). Additional instruments included the Barthel Index, Frail Scale, and Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including chi-square tests, t-tests, and logistic regression. Results: Participants had a mean age of 69.4 ± 6.8 years, and 63.3% were female. The prevalence of sarcopenia risk was 67.5% (n=81). In univariable analyses, significant associations were observed with comorbidities, lower Barthel Index scores, frailty, and malnutrition/risk of malnutrition. In multivariable regression, lower Body Mass Index (Adjusted OR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.67–0.87, p < 0.001) and advancing age (Adjusted OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.12–1.24, p = 0.02) remained independently associated with sarcopenia risk. Conclusion: Sarcopenia risk was highly prevalent among older adults with KOA in this community setting. Lower BMI and increasing age were independent risk factors. These findings highlight the importance of early screening, nutritional intervention, and targeted muscle health strategies as part of comprehensive geriatric care. Integration of sarcopenia screening into primary care may improve outcomes.

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Keyword

Prevalence, Risk factors of sarcopenia, Older adults, Knee osteoarthritis, Community

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