Factors associated with handgrip strength in older adults residents in Florianópolis, Brazil: EpiFloripa Aging Study

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the association between sociodemographic factors, lifestyle, health conditions and low Handgrip Strength in older adults. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of 598 older adults. The Handgrip Strength (first quartile) was verified using a dynamometer. Independent variables included age group, schooling, living arrangement, paid work, alcohol consumption, smoking, leisure-time physical activity and transportation, disability in activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living, history of falls and probable cognitive impairment. Logistic regression analyses were performed (crude and adjusted). Results Age group, disability in instrumental activities of daily living and physical inactivity were associated with low Handgrip Strength for women. For men, there was no association. Conclusion Low Handgrip Strength was positively associated with age, disability in instrumental activities of daily living, and negatively associated with the practice of physical activity in women.