Handgrip Strength Assessment and Its Associated Factors among Hospitalized Elderly in Klang Valley Hospitals
https://doi.org/10.47836/mjmhs.18.6.17
- Author:
Khairunisar-E-Rashim Mohammed Yusufirashim
1
;
Noraida Omar
1
,
2
;
Shazli Illyani Mohamad Shafie
1
;
Siti Hazimah Nor’hisham
1
Author Information
1. Department of Dietetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia&
2. Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing (MyAgeing), Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Handgrip strength, Muscle strength, Elderly
- From:Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences
2022;18(No.6):115-124
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Handgrip strength is a crucial biomarker of aging. Poor handgrip strength among hospitalized elderly
increases the risk of health complications leading to a higher risk of hospital readmissions and mortality. This study
aimed to determine handgrip strength among hospitalized elderly in Klang Valley hospitals alongside its associated
factors. Methods: A total of 57 subjects were recruited for this study. Face-to-face interviews and physical assessments were conducted to obtain data on sociodemographic factors, medical background, anthropometry assessments and biochemical markers level. Dietary intake was obtained through two days of 24-hour dietary recall while
tools such as Global Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) and Mini Nutrition Assessment- Short Form (MNA-SF)
were used to assess perception towards oral health and malnutrition risk, respectively. Reference value from the
Asian Working Group of Sarcopenia (2014) was used to compare handgrip strength. Results: 94.7% of the subjects
were found to have low handgrip strength with a mean value of 8.28 + 6.92 kg/force. Factors including age (r=-
0.370, p=0.005), educational level (r=0.471, p=<0.0005), perception towards oral health (r=0.370, p=0.005) and
energy intake (r=0.367, p=0.005) were significantly associated with handgrip strength. Meanwhile, other variables
were not significantly associated. Conclusion: The majority of the subjects had poor handgrip strength. Factors such
as age, educational level, perception towards oral health and energy intake were significantly associated with handgrip strength while the rest were non-significantly associated. Thus, more research and intervention strategies should
be done to improve handgrip strength among hospitalized elderly to achieve a healthy aging nation.
- Full text:11.2022my1367.pdf
