Nasrin Nasimi; Mohammad Hossein Dabbaghmanesgh; Mohammad Fararooei; Amirhossein Asadi; Marzieh Akbarzadeh; Zahra Sohrabi
Abstract
Background: Sarcopenia, an age-related decline in muscle mass, strength, and function, contributes to various adverse health outcomes and physical impairments. This study aimed to investigate the association between sarcopenia components and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among communitydwelling ...
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Background: Sarcopenia, an age-related decline in muscle mass, strength, and function, contributes to various adverse health outcomes and physical impairments. This study aimed to investigate the association between sarcopenia components and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among communitydwelling older adults.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 501 adults aged 65 years or older participated. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) guideline. Muscle mass was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), muscle strength by hand dynamometer, and physical function by 4-m gait speed. The HRQoL was assessed using 12 item shortform healthy survey (SF-12) questionnaire.Results: There was a significant relationship between the sarcopenia and demographic characteristics (educational levels and smoking habits). After adjustment for age, sex, Body Mass Index, education level, smoking habits, and number of comorbidities, a significant relationship was observed between sarcopenia and physical components of HRQoL. According to multivariate linear regression, low muscle mass was negatively related to physical aspects of HRQoL. Low handgrip strength (HGS) and gait speed (GS) were inversely correlated to both physical and mental components of HRQoL.Conclusion: Our study highlighted the adverse impact of sarcopenia on HRQoL in elderly population. Reduction in muscle strength and physical performance not only affected physical aspects but also were linked with mental components of HRQoL. Therefore, it seems HGS and GS might be good indicators affecting all aspects of HRQoL in the elderly groups.
Afsane Ahmadi; Nasrin Nasimi; Farnoosh Fakoorziba; Javad Rasooli
Volume 4, Issue 2 , April 2016, , Pages 70-75
Abstract
Background: Due to the increasing global use of nutritional supplements, dietitians play a key role in raising consumer awareness and reducing supplementary side effects. Hence, determination of the states of knowledge, attitudes and practices of this group as to common dietary supplements is important. Methods: ...
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Background: Due to the increasing global use of nutritional supplements, dietitians play a key role in raising consumer awareness and reducing supplementary side effects. Hence, determination of the states of knowledge, attitudes and practices of this group as to common dietary supplements is important. Methods: A list of all the dietitians employed in the health centers, nutrition clinics and private offices of Shiraz city was prepared; then, all the 36 qualified dietitians were referred to and the information of 25 dietitians was collected. To gather the data, we employed a 4-part questionnaire including demographic data and questions related to their knowledge, attitudes, and practices about prescribed dietary supplements. The knowledge scores of less than 50%, 50-75%, and over 75% were considered as low, medium, and good knowledge, respectively. And the classification of attitudes was determined based on quartile ranking. The data were statistically analyzed through SPSS, version19, using Chi-square and t-test statistical methods. Results: Most of the dietitians had moderate (80%) and low (20%) level of knowledge, while 100% of them had a positive attitude (3rd quartile) about the role of dietary supplements in health, side effects, and food interactions. The most common supplements recommended were those for anemia and growth of children. In this study, the dietitians who had higher level of knowledge significantly used nutritional journals to increase their awareness. Conclusion: Considering the key roles of dietitians and their knowledge, attitudes, and practices in the field of supplements and the results of the study, it appears that necessary measures should be taken to enhance the dietitians’ knowledge.
