Korean J Fam Pract.  2022 Jun;12(3):179-184. 10.21215/kjfp.2022.12.3.179.

Association between Masticatory Difficulty and Handgrip Strength in Korean Adult Cancer Survivors

• Jung G
• Nam GE
• Huh Y
• Her Y
• Lee ES
• Choo J
• Chang J
• Kim YH
• Cho KH

• KMID: 2530660
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.21215/kjfp.2022.12.3.179

Abstract

Background
The number of cancer survivors is increasing worldwide. Sarcopenia is an important indicator of the physical health and quality of life of cancer survivors. In this study, we investigated the association between masticatory difficulty and low handgrip strength (HGS) in adult cancer survivors in Korea.
Methods
We analyzed data obtained from 859 adult cancer survivors aged ≥19 years from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2016 to 2019. Masticatory difficulty was defined as having discomfort while chewing, and was graded as mild, moderate, or severe discomfort. Low HGS defined as less than 26 kg for male participants and less than 18 kg for female participants. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between masticatory difficulty and low HGS.
Results
After adjusting for confounding variables, the odds ratio (OR) of low HGS significantly increased in female cancer survivors with masticatory difficulty compared to those without masticatory difficulty (OR, 1.76; P=0.034). Among cancer survivors who were <65 years of age, the OR significantly increased in the group with masticatory difficulty compared to the group without it (OR, 2.76; P=0.007). In female as well as younger (<65 y) cancer survivors, more severe masticatory difficulty was significantly associated with higher risk of low HGS (both P for trend <0.001).
Conclusion
In female and younger cancer survivors, the presence of masticatory difficulty and more severe degree of such difficulty, were associated with the higher risk of low HGS.

Keyword

Cancer Survivors; Masticatory Difficulty; Handgrip Strength; Sarcopenia; Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey