Associations between Family Functioning, Social Support, and Sarcopenia among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in China: A Cross-Sectional Study

IntroductionSarcopenia, an age-associated disorder characterized by the loss of skeletal muscle mass and function, is becoming increasingly prevalent among older adults in China. High levels of family and social support have been reported to be associated with enhanced health outcomes among the elderly. However, the evidence regarding the protective impact of these factors on sarcopenia remains limited and controversial. Furthermore, only a limited number of studies have examined the prevalence of possible sarcopenia in China. The current study aimed to (1) estimate the prevalence of possible sarcopenia, (2) evaluate the perceived family functioning and social support, and (3) examine the associations between family functioning, social support, and sarcopenia.

MethodsCross-sectional data from 624 community-dwelling older participants aged 60 years and older in Suzhou, China were collected via structured interviews. Possible sarcopenias were defined in accordance with the criteria of the 2019 Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. Family functioning was assessed using six positive items from the McMaster Family Assessment Device – General Functioning Subscale (GF6+). Social support was evaluated based on the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression was conducted to examine the association between family functioning, social support, and sarcopenia.

ResultsThe prevalence of possible sarcopenia was 10.58%. Females with sarcopenia were more likely to report depression (P<0.05). The mean scores of GF6+ and the total scores were 1.36 ± 0.61 and 32.96 ± 8.47, respectively. Female participants exhibited higher mean scores for GF6+ (P<0.05) and higher total scores for SSRS compared to male participants (P<0.05). No statistically significant associations between family functioning, social support, and sarcopenia were detected.

ConclusionOur study revealed sex differences in the perception of family functioning and social support among Chinese older adults. However, we did not find statistically significant associations between family functioning, social support, and sarcopenia. More research should be conducted in this novel field to facilitate the early screening and prevention of sarcopenia in China.