Is the self-perception of the neighborhood environment associated with probable sarcopenia in the community of older adults?

ABSTRACT The association of sarcopenia with sociodemographic and health factors has been previously presented in the literature. However, little is known about how environmental factors may be related to this condition. The study sought to verify the association between self-perception of a built neighborhood characteristics and probable sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults. This was a cross-sectional study including 306 community-dwelling older adults of both genders. The outcome was probable sarcopenia, categorized with the time taken in the sit to stand test >15 seconds, as proposed by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People. The predictor variables were assessed using the neighborhood environment walkability scale (A-NEWS), which includes issues related to the infrastructure and security of the neighborhood, streets, sidewalks, and types of land use. Multivariate Logistic Regression analyses were performed. The presence of supermarkets/convenience stores/grocery stores/warehouses, open markets (OR: 0.45; 95%CI: 0.22-0.91) and bus stops (OR: 0.23; 95%CI: 0.10-0.50) were protective factors for probable sarcopenia. However, the accumulation of garbage and/or places with open sewage close to the residence (OR: 2.17; 95%CI: 1.16-4.05) were risk factors. There was a protective association of local businesses and bus stops near the place of residence for probable sarcopenia. However, the accumulation of garbage and/or places with open sewage near the residence proved to be risk factors for probable sarcopenia.