PD970 - KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND PRACTICES REGARDING SARCOPENIA AMONG HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS IN COSTA RICA

PD970

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND PRACTICES REGARDING SARCOPENIA AMONG HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS IN COSTA RICA

I. Barrientos-Calvo^1,2,*, P. Sánchez Arce³

¹Health Research Unit, National Geriatric Hospital, ²School of Medicine, University of Costa Rica, San Jose, ³Nutrition, San Vicente de Paul Hospital, Heredia, Costa Rica

Rationale: Although most professionals recognize the importance of sarcopenia, its early identification and treatment strategies are not consistently applied in primary or specialized care. The objective of this study is to describe the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of healthcare professionals in Costa Rica regarding the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of sarcopenia in older adults.

Methods: An observational, cross-sectional study using a structured KAP survey. The study population included healthcare professionals in Costa Rica. The survey was validated through expert judgment and a pilot test. It was distributed digitally. Non-probabilistic convenience sampling was used. Descriptive statistics were used for KAP domains. Group differences were assessed using the chi-square test.

Results: A total of 251 responses were analyzed. Women accounted for the majority (80%). 72.5% were between the ages of 31 and 50. The respondents were primarily nutritionists (33.5%), followed by geriatricians (19.9%) and general practitioners (19.5%). Additionally 60.6% of the sample had more than 10 years of experience. Between 63% and 72% were unaware of the diagnostic criteria. Only 9.6% use EWGSOP2 monthly, even though 90.8% consider sarcopenia a public health problem that increases mortality. 31.1% do not use screening tools. 21.9% always assess muscle strength, and 67.3% always/often do so; 34.3% always assess muscle mass. The main barriers to diagnosing or treating sarcopenia were lack of time (59.8%), lack of continuing education (59.8%), and lack of diagnostic tools (57%). The profession was associated with CAPs (p<0.05), but not with the years of experience. 

Conclusion: There is a significant gap between attitudes and practices, offering a window of opportunity for the country’s healthcare professionals to train in screening, assessment, and treatment.

Disclosure of Interest: I. Barrientos-Calvo Other: None, P. Sánchez Arce Other: None