Factors Associated with Sarcopenia Status Among the Elderly in Mandera County, Kenya

Abstract

Sarcopenia, is characterized by the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass in human body, strength, and function, has emerged as a significant public health concern among aging populations globally, yet limited data exists in resource-constrained settings like Mandera County, Kenya. This study was conducted to assess the status of sarcopenia among the elderly in Mandera County and to establish its relationship with protein intake, physical activity levels, and socioeconomic determinants. The study was guided by four specific objectives: to determine the prevalence of sarcopenia among the elderly, to evaluate protein intake, to assess physical activity levels, and to identify socioeconomic determinants influencing sarcopenia within the population. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional research design The target population consisted of elderly individuals aged 65 years and above residing in Mandera County. A sample size of 186 participants was determined using the Fisher’s formula, and a multistage sampling approach was adopted to ensure representation across different sub-counties and villages within the County. Data collection involved the use of structured questionnaires, physical anthropometric measurements for muscle handgrip, leg calf, Gait speed, MUAC and BMI. and validated tools such as the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and SARC-F screening tool for sarcopenia assessment. The findings revealed that 60.7% of the elderly participants had confirmed or severe sarcopenia, highlighting it as a critical public health issue within this community. It was established that 40.7% of those with low protein intake were more likely to present with confirmed or severe sarcopenia, whereas only 5% of those with high protein intake fell within this category (p < 0.001). Physical activity levels were also significantly associated with sarcopenia; 61% of individuals with low physical activity levels had confirmed or severe sarcopenia compared to only 7% among those with high activity levels (p < 0.001). Socioeconomic factors were found to influence sarcopenia status, with 86% of participants without health insurance exhibiting confirmed or severe sarcopenia compared to 14% with insurance (p = 0.019). Education levels showed a strong inverse relationship with sarcopenia; participants with no formal education recorded 38% prevalence of confirmed sarcopenia compared to 4% among those with tertiary education. In conclusion, the study objectives established that there was high prevalence of sarcopenia among the elderly in Mandera County. Poor protein intake, low physical activity levels, and socioeconomic disadvantages as key contributing factors to severe Sarcopenia. The study underscored the need for targeted interventions focusing on improved nutrition, promotion of physical activity, improve protein intake and enhance access to healthcare services tailored to the elderly population. It is recommended that county health authorities integrate routine screening for sarcopenia into existing elderly healthcare programs, alongside community-based nutrition and physical activity initiatives. This study provides new evidence on sarcopenia in a resource-constrained context, emphasizing the need for integrated community-based interventions focused on dietary improvement, physical activity promotion, and socioeconomic support to reduce the burden of sarcopenia.