Risk of Sarcopenia, Anxiety and Depression Among Healthcare Professionals in Disability Care Facilities

Original Article

J Frailty Sarcopenia Falls 2026 Mar; 11(1):31-40 Copied!

10.22540/JFSF-11-031 Copied!

Agapi Kolovou¹, Charalampos Matzaroglou², Nikolaos Stefanou¹, Maria Tsekoura², Marianna Vlychou³, Asterios N. Gkougkoulias³, Zoe H. Dailiana¹

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece

Keywords:

Abstract

Objectives:

To assess the risk of sarcopenia, anxiety, and depression among healthcare professionals working in disability care facilities (DCF), and to investigate the contributing occupational and personal factors.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 138 healthcare professionals. Demographic and occupational factors, including work schedule, health issues, and medication, were recorded. Participants were assessed for sarcopenia using the SARC-F questionnaire and handgrip strength measurements. Anxiety and depression were evaluated using the validated Greek version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).

Results:

Based on SARC-F scores (≥4), 43.48% of healthcare professionals exhibited a risk of sarcopenia (p<0.001), while 9.42% had probable sarcopenia according to handgrip strength. BMI and gender differed significantly between the groups (p<0.05). The probable sarcopenia group had the highest BMI and the highest percentage of males. The HADS score indicated medium levels of anxiety (6.27±2.39) and depression (6.92±2.65) in healthcare professionals with sarcopenia, without significant differences between the groups.

Conclusions:

According to the findings of this study, the prevalence of sarcopenia risk was high among Greek healthcare professionals working in DCF, while the levels of anxiety and depression were moderate. Male gender and ΒΜΙ appear to influence rise/establishment of sarcopenia spectrum in these individuals.