Baseline Measurement of Grip Strength in a Sample of Nepali Nursing Staff and Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Musculoskeletal (MSK) problems are common among nurses and nursing students. Grip strength is a key indicator of physical health, yet there is a gap in examining grip strength and its correlates in the Nepalese nursing population. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between grip strength and sample characteristics, such as MSK problems, perceived stress, exercise habits, and anthropometric measures, among Nepalese staff nurses and nursing students. Additionally, the study compared the sample's grip strength with Nepali and Indian normative values.

A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of Nepalese staff nurses and nursing students. Data on grip strength, MSK complaints, perceived stress levels, exercise habits, and anthropometric measures (weight, height, and BMI) were collected. Grip strength results were compared with Nepali and Indian normative values. Correlations between grip strength and sample characteristics were analyzed.

The results revealed that MSK problems were prevalent, and perceived stress scores were low to moderate in the sample. Comparisons with normative values indicated that only 4.6% of participants met Nepali norms, while 37.6% met Indian norms. Grip strength showed a positive correlation with body weight, BMI, and height, but no significant correlations with age, exercise hours, MSK complaints, meditation days, and perceived stress.

This study underscores the significant burden of MSK problems among nurses and the importance of understanding grip strength as an indicator of physical health. Moreover, the discrepancy between Nepali and Indian grip strength norms suggests that further investigation is needed to determine which values are most appropriate for the Nepalese population. Therefore, future research should include larger samples to explore the differences in Indian and Nepalese hand grip strength normative values and reassess the Nepalese normative values.