Association between Sarcopenia, Protein Intake, and Physical Activity in Older Adults at Hospital María Auxiliadora, Perú

Background: Sarcopenia is a prevalent issue among older adults, especially in hospital settings, and its prevention requires addressing factors such as protein intake and physical activity. Objective: To determine the association between risk of sarcopenia, protein intake, and physical activity in older adults at Hospital María Auxiliadora in Lima, Peru. Methods: An observational, analytical, cross-sectional study conducted in 76 older adults from a hospital, where sarcopenia risk was assessed using the SARC-F questionnaire, protein intake was measured by a food frequency questionnaire adapted by Cortez for older adult patients, and physical activity level was evaluated with the IPAQ and IPAQ-E questionnaires. Results: The mean age was 71,0 ± 6,37 years; 71,43% were women. A total of 30,35% presented risk of sarcopenia. Inadequate protein intake was significantly associated with a higher risk of sarcopenia (adjusted OR = 3,23; 95% CI: 1,06–9,85; p = 0,03). In contrast, physical activity level, sex, BMI, and age were not significantly associated. Conclusions: Inadequate protein intake was associated with an increased risk of sarcopenia in older adults. These findings highlight the importance of promoting adequate protein intake as a key strategy for the prevention and management of sarcopenia.