Factors Influencing Grip Strength of Depressed Patients: Using Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2018~2019)

Purpose: This study aimed to identify factors influencing hand grip strength of community-dwelling patients with depression.Methods: This was a secondary data analysis of the Korea Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2018~2019), which utilized a complex, multistage probability sample design. A total of 297 participants were included. Hand grip strength was assessed using a digital hand dynamometer. To evaluate factors influencing hand grip strength, a complex-samples general linear model was used.Results: Factors influencing hand grip strength were demographic factors such as gender (male: t=12.58, p<.001), age (19~44 years: t=7.37, p<.001; 45~64 years: t=5.61, p<.001), and education (≤elementary school: t=-2.36, p=.019; middle school to high school: t=-2.13, p=.034), body mass index (<18.5: t=-3.39, p=.001; 18.5-24.9: t=-2.51, p=.013), sedentary time per day (t=-2.19, p=.030), sleep time per day (t=-1.98, p=.049), and depression (t=-3.31, p=.001).Conclusion: Grip strength can predict the current health status in depressed patients.