A Qualitative Inquiry Into Sarcopenia Among Formerly Homeless Older Thais

This study sought to elucidate the conditions associated with sarcopenia among older, formerly homeless people residing in supportive housing in Thailand.

This study employed a qualitative design.

Eight comprehensive interviews (n = 8) and four focus group discussions (n = 20) were conducted. The data collection spanned from March 2024 to June 2024 and was subsequently analysed utilising content analysis methodologies.

All participants (age range: 31-83 years, female participants: 52.38%) were selected from a shelter for the economically disadvantaged in Nonthaburi. The analysis revealed two overarching themes: (1) insufficiency, encompassing five subthemes: deficient knowledge, limited dietary intake, poor oral health, insufficient physical activity and substandard sarcopenia care system and (2) the price of plenty, which includes four subthemes: carbohydrate consumption, poorly prepared food (characterised by hard, undercooked, or burnt items and excessive salt and spice usage), comorbid health conditions and excessive periods of inactivity.

Absence of nursing roles in supportive housing limits the delivery of people-centred care for formerly homeless older adults. Integrating nurses into these settings is essential to meet complex health needs and improve care quality.

This represents the inaugural Thai research conducted within a shelter for the impoverished, underserved and marginalised population. The rich insights from this study provided a foundation for understanding and guiding the management, local policy formulation and prevention strategies related to sarcopenia for this population.