Abstract
BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia, a common debilitating geriatric syndrome, is frequently accompanied by depression and physical inactivity, forming a detrimental cycle that accelerates functional decline. However, hospital-based data on these interrelationships among Chinese older adults remain limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of sarcopenia in geriatric in- and out-patients and to test the hypothesis that sarcopenia is independently associated with higher depression scores and lower objectively measured physical activity. AIM: To determine sarcopenia prevalence and its associations with depression and physical activity in older adults. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 346 adults aged ≥ 60 years were recruited via convenience sampling from geriatric departments of hospitals. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, χ (2) tests, Spearman correlation, and binary logistic regression were employed to examine group differences, variable associations, and independent predictors of sarcopenia. RESULTS: Sarcopenia was identified in 62/346 participants (17.92%). Significant inter-group differences emerged for age, body mass index (BMI), coronary artery disease, hypertension, appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI), grip strength, and 6-m gait speed (P < 0.05). Individuals with sarcopenia reported markedly lower physical activity: A higher prevalence of low activity and lower Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) scores (P < 0.001). Spearman correlations revealed ASMI, grip strength, and gait speed were inversely related to depressive symptoms, while positively linked to physical activity (P < 0.01). Logistic regression confirmed 30-item Geriatric Depression Scale and PASE scores independently predicted sarcopenia after adjustment for age, BMI, coronary artery disease, and hypertension (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Sarcopenia is linked to depression and physical inactivity in elderly inpatients, supporting the need for integrated screening and comprehensive management in clinical practice.