Do Correlates of Handgrip Strength Among the Elderly Ghanaian Population Matter? Empirical Evidence from WHO-SAGE Wave 1 Survey

Abstract Background: Recent empirical evidence suggests variations in handgrip strength in the elder years of life depending on multiple parameters, but such evidence is lacking in Ghana. The study determines what multiple factors are associated with handgrip strength among the older population in Ghana. Method: Using data from the World Health organisation Global Ageing and Adult Health Survey (SAGE) Wave 1, four thousand, five hundred and ninety-six Ghanaians aged 50 and above years were selected through a multistage sampling technique in the country. Results: It was revealed that handgrip strength decreased with age and on the average was lower among females. Older females had a weaker handgrip strength than their male counterparts. Handgrip strength was higher among persons who were not suffering from hypertension or arthritis. Additionally, weight (Model 1, [left hand {ꞵ= 0.95, p<0.01}, right hand {ꞵ=0.18, p<0.01}]); Model 2, [left hand {ꞵ=0.59, p<0.01}, right hand {ꞵ=0.01, p<0.001}]) and height (Model 1, [left hand {ꞵ= 0.04, p<0.01}, right hand {ꞵ=0.45, p<0.01}]); Model 2, [left hand {ꞵ=0.38, p<0.01}, right hand {ꞵ=0.03, p<0.001}]) were associated with increased grip strength. Conclusions: Older adults’ physical deterioration is inevitable because of structural and functional musculoskeletal limitations due to ageing. Hence, a timely identification of those at risk for appropriate intervention to promote their healthy living is necessary.