The Descriptive Epidemiology of Probable Sarcopenia in Community-Dwelling Tanzanians: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study

Original Article

J Frailty Sarcopenia Falls 2026 Sep; 11(3):157-171 Copied!

10.22540/JFSF-11-157 Copied!

Emma Grace Lewis^1,2, Samuel Bunn³, Sarah Urasa⁴, Susan Hillman^1,2, Rachel Cooper^1,2, Avan A. Sayer^1,2, Catherine Dotchin⁵, Richard Walker⁵

AGE Research Group, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cumbria Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust and Faculty of Medical Sciences Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
Faculty of Medical Sciences, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Kilimanjaro, United Republic of Tanzania
Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, North Tyneside General Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

Keywords:

Abstract

Objectives:

This study presents the descriptive epidemiology of probable sarcopenia in a community setting in Eastern Africa.

Methods:

This is a cross-sectional observational study. Five random villages in Hai District, Kilimanjaro region, Tanzania, were selected. A total of 1207 community-dwelling adults aged 60 years and over were screened using a short frailty screening tool (B-FIT). A randomised frailty-weighted sample of 234 were included in analysis. Survey data and physical measurements including hand grip strength (HGS), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and bio-impedance analysis (BIA) were conducted. The prevalence of probable sarcopenia in the screened population was calculated using the revised European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2) guidelines. Logistic regression was used to explore associations between indicators of nutritional status and socioeconomic position, and probable sarcopenia.

Results:

The mean HGS in men was 28.5 kg (SD 10.4) and in women was 20.5 kg (SD 6.4). Estimated prevalence of probable sarcopenia in the community-dwelling population aged ≥60 years was 31.5% (95% CI 19.65-43.35) in men, and 9.79% (95% CI 5.95-13.63) in women.

Conclusions:

Probable sarcopenia was prevalent in a study of community-dwelling older Tanzanian adults. It is associated with markers of malnutrition and lower socioeconomic position in this context.