Validation of the SARC-F questionnaire to evaluate sarcopenia in the venezuelan population

Abstract

Sarcopenia is defined as an age-related decrease in skeletal muscle mass and function that is associated with adverse health consequences. The SARC-F is a proposed tool to identify people at risk of sarcopenia. Objective: To validate the SARC-F questionnaire in the Venezuelan population over 65 years of age who attend the Endocrinology clinic at CMDLT. Methods: Observational, analytical, cohort, cross-sectional study, the sample was probabilistic, consisting of 104 patients over 65 years of age who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The validity of the test (sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value) was evaluated with the definitions of EWGSOP2, AWGS and IWGS. Results: An average age of 73.55 ± 6.01 years was recorded, and the female sex was more frequent with 75% (78 patients). The mean SARC-F score was 1.61±1.83 points, 18 had score ≥4 points (17.30%), the frequency of sarcopenia determined by EWGSOP2, AWGS and IWGS was 46.15%, 50.9% and 45.2%, respectively, while the sensitivity was 33.33%, 32.07% and 31.91%, specificity was 96.42%, 98.03% and 94.73%, positive predictive value was 88.88%, 94.44% and 83.33% and negative predictive value was 62.79%, 58.13% and 62.79%. Conclusion: The SARC-F scale was successfully used in spanish, culturally adapted to the Venezuelan population, showing low sensitivity but high specificity for the diagnosis of sarcopenia, which allows early identification of sarcopenia and the implementation of preventive measures.