Economic burden of sarcopenia-related disability in the elderly population: a study in Iran

Sarcopenia is linked to escalating health costs, heightened risk of physical disability, diminished quality of life and an increased demand for care services. This study aimed to assess the economic impact of sarcopenia-related disability in Iran. A prevalence-based economic burden study was conducted utilizing the Population Attributable Risk (PAR) method, based on 2022 price index. Prevalence data for sarcopenia, categorized by gender and disease severity, were extracted from recent comprehensive studies. The relative risk of sarcopenia disability was determined from the most robust available evidence. Subsequently, direct medical costs, direct non-medical costs, and indirect costs for each individual with sarcopenia were computed and adjusted to 2022 values to estimate disability costs.

Taking into account the prevalence of sarcopenia and the Iranian population across various age groups, 2,192,168 adults aged ≥ 60 years with sarcopenia in Iran were included. The total PAR of sarcopenia for men and women was estimated at 49% and 28%, respectively. The cumulative direct medical costs, direct non-medical costs, and indirect costs amounted to $215.1 million, $7.76 million, and $34.1 million, respectively. Additionally, the average total economic burden of sarcopenia-related disability in Iranian population aged ≥ 60 years was estimated at $257.1 million.