To investigate the factors influencing sarcopenia among elderly patients attending medical institutions in southern Ningxia, and to provide evidence for the development of prevention and control strategies.

A total of 1 624 individuals aged 60 years and older who visited the Geriatric Departments of Ningnan Hospital, Guyuan People's Hospital, Xiji County People's Hospital, and other medical institutions between January and October 2025, were enrolled in this study. Basic demographic and lifestyle behavioral information were collected through questionnaires. Arm circumference, calf circumference, grip strength, 6meter gait speed, and appendicular skeletal muscle mass were measured. Multivariate Logistic regression models were used to analyze the independent influencing factors for possible sarcopenia and sarcopenia in the elderly population.

According to the 2019 Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia diagnostic criteria, the participants were classified into three groups: normal group (n=437, 26.9%), possible sarcopenia group (n=780, 48.0%), and sarcopenia group (n=407, 25.1%). Multivariate analysis revealed that aged≥70 years (possible sarcopenia: 70-79 years group OR=1.828, 95%CI: 1.342-2.491, 80 years group OR=3.140, 95%CI: 1.498-6.581; sarcopenia: 70-79 years group OR=2.581, 95%CI: 1.647-4.046,≥80 years group OR=9.570, 95%CI: 4.083-22.431), frailty (possible sarcopenia: OR=3.853, 95%CI: 2.061-7.204; sarcopenia: OR=3.973, 95%CI: 1.630-9.681), and high fall risk (possible sarcopenia: OR=12.446, 95%CI: 5.323-29.103; sarcopenia: OR=18.425, 95%CI: 6.637-51.154) were common risk factors for both possible sarcopenia and sarcopenia; monthly income≥3 000 CNY (possible sarcopenia: OR=0.580, 95%CI: 0.342-0.984; sarcopenia: OR=0.312, 95%CI: 0.126-0.771), higher mid-upper arm circumference (possible sarcopenia: OR=0.918, 95%CI: 0.848-0.994; sarcopenia: OR=0.725, 95%CI: 0.644-0.815) and calf circumference (possible sarcopenia: OR=0.819, 95%CI: 0.760-0.882; sarcopenia: OR=0.551, 95%CI: 0.494-0.614) were common protective factors for both conditions.

Aged≥70 years, frailty, and high fall risk are the main risk factors influencing sarcopenia in older adults in southern Ningxia. Early outpatient screening and timely interventions should be implemented for potentially highrisk populations to delay the onset and progression of sarcopenia.