Lack of Knowledge Contrasts the Willingness to Counteract Sarcopenia Among Community-Dwelling Adults

Jeanine M. Van Ancum, Carel G.M. Meskers, Esmee M. Reijnierse, Suey S.Y. Yeung, Nini H. Jonkman, Marijke C. Trappenburg, Mirjam Pijnappels, Andrea B. Maier

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

19 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Sarcopenia is highly prevalent in older adults. Knowledge among community-dwelling adults is important for effective prevention and treatment of sarcopenia. This study aims to assess current knowledge about sarcopenia, investigate willingness for treatment and prevention, and awareness of muscle health.

METHOD: Participants who attended health educational events completed a questionnaire on knowledge about sarcopenia. Self-perceived muscle health was assessed by visual analog scale. Objective muscle measures included muscle mass, handgrip strength, and gait speed.

RESULTS: Included participants were 197 (median aged 67.9 years [interquartile range = 57.0-75.1]). Eighteen participants (9%) reported to know what sarcopenia is. Participants' self-perceived muscle health showed a low correlation with all objective muscle measures. 76% were willing, in case of sarcopenia diagnosis, to start treatment and 71% were willing to prevent sarcopenia.

DISCUSSION: Knowledge about sarcopenia is limited while participants were willing to start treatment and prevention. Strategies to increase knowledge among community-dwelling adults are needed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)787-794
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of aging and health
Volume32
Issue number7-8
Early online date3 Jun 2019
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Aug 2020

Keywords

  • education
  • muscle
  • nutrition
  • physical activity
  • sarcopenia

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