Studies from Al-Nahrain University Describe New Findings in Muscular Atrophy (Prevalence and Factors Associated with Sarcopenia among a Sample Aged 60 Years and Older in Iraq).

A recent study conducted by researchers at Al-Nahrain University in Baghdad, Iraq, aimed to estimate the prevalence of sarcopenia (low muscle mass and function) among older adults in Iraq and identify related sociodemographic factors. The study found that sarcopenia was present in 15% of the sample, with higher rates in males (21.5%) compared to females (8.2%). The study also found that sarcopenia was positively associated with aging, marital status, retirement, nonsmoking, alcohol consumption, fall history, normal body mass index, and being elderly, while it was negatively related to educational level and physical activity. The researchers concluded that sarcopenia had a significant prevalence among older adults in Iraq and was associated with various behavioral and lifestyle factors. [Extracted from the article]