• Hatice Simsek, Reci Meseri, Sevnaz Sahin, Asli Kilavuz, Derya H Bicakli, Mehmet Uyar, Sumru Savas, Fulden Sarac, and Fehmi Akcicek.
• Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey. E-mail. haticesimsek@yahoo.com.
• Saudi Med J. 2019 May 1; 40 (6): 568-574.

Objectives To determine the prevalence of sarcopenia and related factors in individuals aged ≥65 years living in the Bornova district of Izmir, Turkey. Sarcopenia is one of the most serious health problems among elderly individuals.Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Bornova district of Izmir, Turkey, between February-July 2015. This study participants were comprised of 909 individuals aged ≥65 years. The dependent variable was the presence of sarcopenia and the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) approach was used for determining sarcopenia. The independent variables were socio-demographic and economic characteristics, healthy life behaviors and health status/condition. Data were collected at home through face-to-face interviews and measurements, analysed using chi-square test, t-test and logistic regression analysis.Results The participants' mean age was 72.8±6.2 (range: 65-100) years, and 60.2% were female (n=582). The prevalence of sarcopenia was 5.2% and that of low gait speed was 41.0%, low grip strength was 57.0%, low calf circumference was 6.1% and the combination of low gait speed and low grip strength was 14.3%. Risk factors of sarcopenia included increasing age, physical inactivity, low body mass index and the presence or risk of malnutritionConclusion: The prevalence of sarcopenia was 5.2% in this population and increased with age, physical inactivity, low body mass index and the presence or risk of malnutrition.

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