Abstract

Introduction: Sarcopenia is a geriatric syndrome characterized by progressive and generalized loss of mass and muscular strength, causing a greater risk of developing physical incapacity, institutionalization and worsening of quality of life. Objective: To quantify the prevalence of sarcopenia in hospitalized and community-dwelling elderly. And to evaluate factors associated with sarcopenia in this population. Methods: Cross-sectional observational study carried out in a ward of a University Hospital with elderly individuals aged 65 years or older. Hospitalized elderly were submitted to the following evaluations: lean mass, palmar grip strength, 4-meter velocity test, functionality through the Barthel and Lawton index, mini mental status examination and depression assessment. The elderly in the community were recruited through invitations to the families of the hospitalized patients. Sarcopenia was defined according to the criteria of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People. Results: 51 hospitalized elderly and 51 elderly in the community were evaluated. There was a significant difference in muscle strength, functionality, mini mental and comorbidity index of hospitalized patients compared to the elderly in the community (p<0.05). The prevalence of sarcopenia in hospitalized elderly was 49.0% and 9.8% in the elderly in the community (p<0.05). The factor independently associated with sarcopenia was the mini mental state examination (p<0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of sarcopenia in hospitalized elderly was higher than in the elderly in the community. Factor associated with sarcopenia was the mini mental state examination.