OBJECTIVES: To describe the demographic, clinical and socioeconomic characteristics and functional limitations among patients with sarcopenia in China and characterize the burden of their caregivers.

METHODS: We utilized data from China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study 2015. Patients were classified into no sarcopenia, possible sarcopenia, sarcopenia and severe sarcopenia based on the diagnostic criteria from the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019. Reported functional limitations included any difficulties with activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) and use of assistive devices. Caregiver burden were characterized based on any informal or formal care received, hours receiving informal care monthly and the monthly out-of-pocket costs for paid care. Ordinary least squares regressions were conducted to analyze the association of sarcopenia with functional limitations and received care, adjusting for demographic, clinical and socioeconomic characteristics.

RESULTS: We included 15,640 patients with data on physical measures to assess sarcopenia status in the analysis. The percentage of patients with possible sarcopenia, sarcopenia and severe sarcopenia were 20.2%, 6.9% and 2.5%, respectively. Compared to patients with no sarcopenia, patients with sarcopenia were older and with more comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease, lung disease, asthma and psychological conditions, and have less favorable socioeconomic status. Among patients with sarcopenia, 32.5% and 42.7% reported having difficulties with ADLs and IADLs. Functional limitations and the intensity of care received were significantly associated with the severity level of sarcopenia, after adjusting for demographic, clinical and socioeconomic characteristics. Most patients relied on informal care provided by family members.

CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 30% of Chinese elderly live with sarcopenia and commonly have functional limitations, requiring regular care from caregivers. Most patients rely on informal care, posing significant caregiver burden on their family members. Improved insurance coverage, financial assistance and social support from the community and the government are needed for this patient population and their caregivers.