The association between handgrip strength, physical, and cognitive function among hospitalized older adults in Tanzania

BACKGROUND: Although low muscle strength is an important factor in poor clinical outcomes among older patients, information on its relationship with cognitive and physical function among hospitalized older adults is lacking. The aim of this study was to examine the association between handgrip strength (HGS) and cognitive and physical function among hospitalized older adult inpatients in Tanzania. METHODS: This multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted between March and August 2022 in the medical wards of four hospitals in Tanzania. Adults aged ≥ 60 years who were hospitalized were eligible; of 540 approached, 308 completed the full study assessment and were included in the analysis. Handgrip strength was measured with a handheld dynamometer and classified as normal or weak based on established cut-points. Physical function was assessed using the Barthel Index for activities of daily living, and cognitive function was assessed using the Identifying Dementia in Elderly Africans cognitive screen (IDEA-Cog). Logistic regression model was used to examine associations between handgrip strength (dependent variable) and cognitive and functional status. RESULTS: Among the 308 patients assessed, weak handgrip strength was significantly associated with poorer cognitive performance (β = 0.454, OR = 1.58, 95% CI [. 235, 0.673], p = .001) and higher physical function (β = 0.304, OR = 1.36, 95% Cl [0.133, 0.474], p = .001). CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Weak handgrip strength is associated with poorer cognitive performance and higher physical dependence among hospitalized older adults across settings. These findings support the potential use of HGS as a clinical marker to identify older adults with concurrent cognitive and functional vulnerability. Future longitudinal studies are warranted to examine this association over time.