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Abstract
Aging brings physiological changes that affect the body composition, functionality, and nutritional status of older adults. Sarcopenia and malnutrition are prevalent geriatric syndromes associated with functional decline, increased risk of hospitalization, and mortality. Early identification is essential, especially in community and rural settings, where diagnostic resources are limited. To analyze the relationship between body fat and the perception of loneliness in older adults using the ESTE-R test, with a focus on rural settings. We propose an observational, cross-sectional study with non-probabilistic sampling in older adults living in rural areas. Body composition will be assessed using electrical bioimpedance analysis (BIA), considering total and segmental fat mass. The perception of loneliness will be measured using the ESTE-R test. Sociodemographic, functional (Katz index), and nutritional (Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form) variables will be included. Descriptive and correlational statistical analyses and multivariate models will be applied to explore significant associations.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Jennifer Carolina Bermeo Mocha, Maria Graciela Merchan Coronel, Melva Francisca González Salamea