The association between nutritional status and handgrip strength in older Rwandan refugees.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Nutrition Science

Background:

• Study conducted in a Rwandan refugee camp in Tanzania during the post-emergency phase.
• Supported by the Department for International Development (UK) and HelpAge International.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between nutritional status and handgrip strength in older Rwandan refugees.
• To determine if nutritional status is an independent predictor of handgrip strength in this population.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study involving 413 men and 415 women aged 50-92 years.
• Measurements included weight, height, mid-upper-arm circumference (MUAC), triceps skinfold, and handgrip strength.
• Nutritional status assessed using Body Mass Index (BMI), with data on physical activity and health status collected via interview and screening.

Main Results:

• Handgrip strength was significantly higher in men than women and decreased with age.
• Positive correlations observed between handgrip strength, BMI, and Arm Muscle Area (AMA).
• Individuals with poor nutritional status (BMI < 18.5 kg/m²) had a 1.75 times higher risk of impaired handgrip strength, even after controlling for sex, age, and height.

Conclusions:

• Poor nutritional status is independently associated with reduced handgrip strength in older Rwandan refugees.
• Underweight individuals may face greater difficulties in independent community functioning.
• Further research is recommended to explore if nutritional interventions can improve functional ability in this population.