Title of article :
Predictors of Handgrip Strength among the Free Living Elderly in Rural Pahang,Malaysia
Author/Authors :
Moy, FM Julius Centre University of Malaya - Department of Social & Preventive Medicine - Faculty of Medicine - University of Malaya, Lumpur, Malaysia , Chang, EWH Faculty of Medicine - University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia , Kee, KW Faculty of Medicine - University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Abstract :
Background: Reduced handgrip strength is an aging process that significantly influences the living activities of elderly. It
is linked to premature mortality, disability and other health complications among elderly. Therefore, we aim to determine
the associated predictors with handgrip strength among the free living elderly in Malaysia.
Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted in a rural state in Malaysia. A total of 434 elderly individuals performed
handgrip assessment. Socio-demographic characteristics, medical conditions, occupational history, functional ability
(ADL) and depression (GDS) were enquired. Anthropometric measurements (weight and height) were also obtained.
Results: Majority of the respondents were Malays with mean age of 67.9 + 6.3 years. Maximum handgrip strength of males
and females were 28.8+9.2 kg and 18.9+6.9 kg respectively (P<0.05). The aborigines had significantly lower handgrip
strength (P<0.05) compared to Malays, Chinese and Indians. Handgrip strength was positively correlated (P<0.05) with
weight, height and ADL, while negatively associated (P<0.05) with GDS for both gender. In the multivariate linear regression
analysis; weight, height and race significantly predicted handgrip strength among both male and female elderly after
adjustment for all potential confounders. However, GDS and ADL were only found to significantly predict handgrip
strength among the male elderly; while age was only significant among the females.
Conclusion: Our sample population has significantly lower handgrip strength than the Western counterpart. Weight, height
and race significantly predict handgrip strength among both male and female elderly. GDS, ADL are only found to be significant
in males while age was only significant among the females.
Keywords :
Elderly , Handgrip strength
Journal title :
Astroparticle Physics