Prevalence and Associated Factors of Malnutrition and Sarcopenia in a Daycare Facility: A Cross-Sectional Study

Malnutrition and sarcopenia are prevalent and growing health issues in older populations. Early detection is important to implement proper interventions. However, little is known about malnutrition and sarcopenia in daycare facilities, the most dominant long-term care service. In this study, the prevalence of and factors associated with malnutrition and sarcopenia in older individuals who commute to community daycare facilities were evaluated. The cross-sectional study included 62 older individuals screened for malnutrition and sarcopenia on their first day in a daycare facility in Japan. Daily physical activity and basal diseases were also evaluated. According to Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria, 40.3% (25/62) of patients were malnourished and 59.7% (37/62) were well nourished. The Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 evaluation found that 12.9% (8/62) of patients showed no sarcopenia, whereas 87.1% (54/62) had sarcopenia. The prevalence of well-nourished sarcopenic individuals was the highest (45.2% (28/62)), followed by malnourished sarcopenia individuals (40.3% (25/62)). All malnourished individuals were sarcopenic and 14.5% (9/62) were well nourished and nonsarcopenic. Daily physical activity was significantly lower among sarcopenic individuals. Subgroups showed no significant difference in comorbidities. The prevalence of malnutrition and sarcopenia was relatively high. Activity-related sarcopenia seemed to precede malnutrition. Early detection of malnutrition and sarcopenia in daycare facilities should be encouraged for early intervention.