The association between sarcopenia and quality of life is different in community dwelling older Australian men and women

Abstract

Background: The impact of sarcopenia on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in community dwelling older people in Australia is not known. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between sarcopenia and HRQoL in older Australian men and women. Methods: 357 men and 370 women aged 65 years and older from the North West Adelaide Health Study at Stage 2 (2002-2004). Sarcopenia was defined as the presence of low muscle mass and low grip strength. HRQoL was assessed using the Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire: physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS). Analyses were performed using multiple regression and adjustments were made for age, physical activity, smoking status, co-morbidity and depression. Results: The prevalence of sarcopenia was 10.1% in men and 9.5% in women. Men with sarcopenia was significantly associated with the PCS score in the unadjusted model (P = 0.012) and only model 1 adjusted for age (P = 0.041). No significant association was noted in model 2 (model 1 + physical activity and smoking status) and model 3 (model 2 + Charlson co-morbidity index and depression). In men, a significant association between sarcopenia and MCS score was seen in the unadjusted and all 3 adjusted models. No association was seen between sarcopenia and the PCS or MCS score in women for both the adjusted and unadjusted models. Conclusion: After adjusting for multiple confounders, the association between sarcopenia only remained for the MCS score, in men. No association between sarcopenia and HRQoL was seen in women.