Volume 34, Issue 5 (8-2026)
JSSU 2026, 34(5): 10261-10270 |
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Ethics code: IR.QUMS.REC.1403.004
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Asgari M, Soltani M, Eskandari Z, zarbaf R. Orally Administered Stevia Extract Reduce Acetaminophen-Induce Hepatic and Neural Side Effects in Mice. JSSU 2026; 34 (5) :10261-10270
URL: http://jssu.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-6510-en.html
URL: http://jssu.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-6510-en.html
Abstract: (12 Views)
Introduction: The rapid aging of the population in Iran has posed a significant challenge to the healthcare system regarding the maintenance of functional independence in the elderly. Within this demographic, sarcopenia and malnutrition represent critical concerns, exhibiting a notably higher frequency- especially among elderly women in public nursing facilities- stemming from socioeconomic limitations and disparities in service accessibility. Even though extensive research exists, there remains a notable void in our understanding of the relationship between nutritional health and the measurable markers of sarcopenia within this vulnerable population. Therefore, the present study was designed and conducted to investigate this association among elderly women living in public nursing homes in Qazvin, Iran.
Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 120 elderly women residing in public nursing homes in Qazvin City during spring 2024. The sample size was calculated using the Cochran formula, and participants were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and the standardized Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) questionnaire, encompassing four domains: anthropometry, dietary habits, global assessment, and self-perception of health (score range: 0–30). Sarcopenia-related indicators were evaluated based on the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS 2019) guidelines, including muscle strength measured with a hydraulic dynamometer (weakness threshold <18 kg), muscle mass assessed by calf circumference using a measuring tape (sarcopenia threshold <33 cm), and physical performance elevated through the 4-meter gait speed test, the 5-time chair stand test, and self-report. For 11 participants with severe mobility limitations, height was estimated using the Chumlea formula. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient at a significance level of 0.05, with SPSS version 24.
Results: The prevalence of malnutrition and risk of malnutrition was 28.33% and 50%, respectively, while only 21.66% of the participants had an optimal nutritional status. Optimal nutrition was significantly and positively associated with muscle strength (r=0.76, P=0.04), muscle mass (r=0.79, P=0.01), and physical performance (r=0.33, P=0.03). Conversely, malnutrition demonstrated a significant negative correlation with muscle strength (r=-0.80, P=0.001), muscle mass (r=-0.85, P=0.01), and physical performance (r=-0.61, P=0.002). Among those with optimal nutrition, 91.6% had normal or strong muscle strength and 100% had normal muscle mass, whereas in the malnutrition group, 100% showed impaired physical performance and 25% were unable to perform basic activities.
Conclusion: The elevated prevalence of malnutrition is associated with a marked reduction in muscle strength, mass, and physical performance, underscoring the necessity of regular nutritional screening and combined dietary-exercise interventions in public nursing homes. Despite limitations such as the cross-sectional design and the lack of gold-standard methods for body composition assessment, the focus on a high-risk and understudied subgroup represents a strength of this research. Ultimately, these results provide a foundational framework for evidence-based policymaking aimed at the early detection and management of sarcopenia, as well as improving the overall quality of life for vulnerable elderly individuals.
Introduction: The rapid aging of the population in Iran has posed a significant challenge to the healthcare system regarding the maintenance of functional independence in the elderly. Within this demographic, sarcopenia and malnutrition represent critical concerns, exhibiting a notably higher frequency- especially among elderly women in public nursing facilities- stemming from socioeconomic limitations and disparities in service accessibility. Even though extensive research exists, there remains a notable void in our understanding of the relationship between nutritional health and the measurable markers of sarcopenia within this vulnerable population. Therefore, the present study was designed and conducted to investigate this association among elderly women living in public nursing homes in Qazvin, Iran.
Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 120 elderly women residing in public nursing homes in Qazvin City during spring 2024. The sample size was calculated using the Cochran formula, and participants were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and the standardized Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) questionnaire, encompassing four domains: anthropometry, dietary habits, global assessment, and self-perception of health (score range: 0–30). Sarcopenia-related indicators were evaluated based on the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS 2019) guidelines, including muscle strength measured with a hydraulic dynamometer (weakness threshold <18 kg), muscle mass assessed by calf circumference using a measuring tape (sarcopenia threshold <33 cm), and physical performance elevated through the 4-meter gait speed test, the 5-time chair stand test, and self-report. For 11 participants with severe mobility limitations, height was estimated using the Chumlea formula. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient at a significance level of 0.05, with SPSS version 24.
Results: The prevalence of malnutrition and risk of malnutrition was 28.33% and 50%, respectively, while only 21.66% of the participants had an optimal nutritional status. Optimal nutrition was significantly and positively associated with muscle strength (r=0.76, P=0.04), muscle mass (r=0.79, P=0.01), and physical performance (r=0.33, P=0.03). Conversely, malnutrition demonstrated a significant negative correlation with muscle strength (r=-0.80, P=0.001), muscle mass (r=-0.85, P=0.01), and physical performance (r=-0.61, P=0.002). Among those with optimal nutrition, 91.6% had normal or strong muscle strength and 100% had normal muscle mass, whereas in the malnutrition group, 100% showed impaired physical performance and 25% were unable to perform basic activities.
Conclusion: The elevated prevalence of malnutrition is associated with a marked reduction in muscle strength, mass, and physical performance, underscoring the necessity of regular nutritional screening and combined dietary-exercise interventions in public nursing homes. Despite limitations such as the cross-sectional design and the lack of gold-standard methods for body composition assessment, the focus on a high-risk and understudied subgroup represents a strength of this research. Ultimately, these results provide a foundational framework for evidence-based policymaking aimed at the early detection and management of sarcopenia, as well as improving the overall quality of life for vulnerable elderly individuals.
Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 120 elderly women residing in public nursing homes in Qazvin City during spring 2024. The sample size was calculated using the Cochran formula, and participants were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and the standardized Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) questionnaire, encompassing four domains: anthropometry, dietary habits, global assessment, and self-perception of health (score range: 0–30). Sarcopenia-related indicators were evaluated based on the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS 2019) guidelines, including muscle strength measured with a hydraulic dynamometer (weakness threshold <18 kg), muscle mass assessed by calf circumference using a measuring tape (sarcopenia threshold <33 cm), and physical performance elevated through the 4-meter gait speed test, the 5-time chair stand test, and self-report. For 11 participants with severe mobility limitations, height was estimated using the Chumlea formula. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient at a significance level of 0.05, with SPSS version 24.
Results: The prevalence of malnutrition and risk of malnutrition was 28.33% and 50%, respectively, while only 21.66% of the participants had an optimal nutritional status. Optimal nutrition was significantly and positively associated with muscle strength (r=0.76, P=0.04), muscle mass (r=0.79, P=0.01), and physical performance (r=0.33, P=0.03). Conversely, malnutrition demonstrated a significant negative correlation with muscle strength (r=-0.80, P=0.001), muscle mass (r=-0.85, P=0.01), and physical performance (r=-0.61, P=0.002). Among those with optimal nutrition, 91.6% had normal or strong muscle strength and 100% had normal muscle mass, whereas in the malnutrition group, 100% showed impaired physical performance and 25% were unable to perform basic activities.
Conclusion: The elevated prevalence of malnutrition is associated with a marked reduction in muscle strength, mass, and physical performance, underscoring the necessity of regular nutritional screening and combined dietary-exercise interventions in public nursing homes. Despite limitations such as the cross-sectional design and the lack of gold-standard methods for body composition assessment, the focus on a high-risk and understudied subgroup represents a strength of this research. Ultimately, these results provide a foundational framework for evidence-based policymaking aimed at the early detection and management of sarcopenia, as well as improving the overall quality of life for vulnerable elderly individuals.
Introduction: The rapid aging of the population in Iran has posed a significant challenge to the healthcare system regarding the maintenance of functional independence in the elderly. Within this demographic, sarcopenia and malnutrition represent critical concerns, exhibiting a notably higher frequency- especially among elderly women in public nursing facilities- stemming from socioeconomic limitations and disparities in service accessibility. Even though extensive research exists, there remains a notable void in our understanding of the relationship between nutritional health and the measurable markers of sarcopenia within this vulnerable population. Therefore, the present study was designed and conducted to investigate this association among elderly women living in public nursing homes in Qazvin, Iran.
Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 120 elderly women residing in public nursing homes in Qazvin City during spring 2024. The sample size was calculated using the Cochran formula, and participants were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and the standardized Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) questionnaire, encompassing four domains: anthropometry, dietary habits, global assessment, and self-perception of health (score range: 0–30). Sarcopenia-related indicators were evaluated based on the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS 2019) guidelines, including muscle strength measured with a hydraulic dynamometer (weakness threshold <18 kg), muscle mass assessed by calf circumference using a measuring tape (sarcopenia threshold <33 cm), and physical performance elevated through the 4-meter gait speed test, the 5-time chair stand test, and self-report. For 11 participants with severe mobility limitations, height was estimated using the Chumlea formula. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient at a significance level of 0.05, with SPSS version 24.
Results: The prevalence of malnutrition and risk of malnutrition was 28.33% and 50%, respectively, while only 21.66% of the participants had an optimal nutritional status. Optimal nutrition was significantly and positively associated with muscle strength (r=0.76, P=0.04), muscle mass (r=0.79, P=0.01), and physical performance (r=0.33, P=0.03). Conversely, malnutrition demonstrated a significant negative correlation with muscle strength (r=-0.80, P=0.001), muscle mass (r=-0.85, P=0.01), and physical performance (r=-0.61, P=0.002). Among those with optimal nutrition, 91.6% had normal or strong muscle strength and 100% had normal muscle mass, whereas in the malnutrition group, 100% showed impaired physical performance and 25% were unable to perform basic activities.
Conclusion: The elevated prevalence of malnutrition is associated with a marked reduction in muscle strength, mass, and physical performance, underscoring the necessity of regular nutritional screening and combined dietary-exercise interventions in public nursing homes. Despite limitations such as the cross-sectional design and the lack of gold-standard methods for body composition assessment, the focus on a high-risk and understudied subgroup represents a strength of this research. Ultimately, these results provide a foundational framework for evidence-based policymaking aimed at the early detection and management of sarcopenia, as well as improving the overall quality of life for vulnerable elderly individuals.
Keywords: Sarcopenia, Nutritional Status, Physical Performance, Women, Nursing Homes, Malnutrition, Muscle Strength, Muscle Mass
Type of Study: Original article |
Subject:
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Received: 2025/09/4 | Accepted: 2026/01/13 | Published: 2026/08/6
Received: 2025/09/4 | Accepted: 2026/01/13 | Published: 2026/08/6
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