Factors Influencing Low Muscle Strength among Community-Dwelling Older Adults with Non-Communicable Diseases

Abstract

Introduction: The presence of low muscle strength serves as a major indicator of sarcopenia and health status in older adults with non-communicable diseases (NCDs), leading to increased morbidity and mortality among them. Objective: 1) To describe the prevalence of low muscle strength, and 2) To investigate personal and health factors predicting low muscle strength in community-dwelling older adults with NCDs. Design: This study employed a correlational predictive design, guided by physiological theory and literature as its conceptual framework. Methodology: The participants consisted of 192 community-dwelling older adults diagnosed with non-communicable diseases in Samut Prakan province. Purposive: sampling was employed according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were collected using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) version 2, the Thai Geriatric Depression Scale (TGDS-15), and nutritional and muscle strength assessments. Data were then analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis. Results: Most of the participants were female (65.1%), with a mean age of 69.60 years (SD = 7.60). The prevalence of low muscle strength among older adults with non-communicable diseases was 54.17%. Personal and health factors including age (OR= 3.47, 95% CI = 1.91-6.33),weight loss (OR= 4.05, 95% CI = 1.11-14.70), physical activity (OR= 0.37, 95% CI = .19-.73),and depression (OR= 3.06, 95% CI = 1.16-8.03) were significantly predicted low muscle strength. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that age (OR= 3.02, 95%CI = 1.63-5.59) and physical activity (OR= 0.48, 95%CI = 0.24-0.97) together could predict low muscle strength among older adults with NCDs, accounting for 14.3% of the variance. Recommendation: This study demonstrates that age and physical activity significantly predict low muscle strength among older adults with NCDs in the community. Therefore, health promotion programs addressing physical activity should be developed to reduce risk factors and to prevent and delay sarcopenia particularly in older adults of advanced age with NCDs.