J Korean Gerontol Nurs.  2022 Feb;24(1):13-21. 10.17079/jkgn.2022.24.1.13.

Toe Grip Strength and Its Related Factors among Older Adults Receiving Services from Home-visiting Caregivers

• Lim JG
• Lee H
• Eriko S
• Shin DS

• KMID: 2540580
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.17079/jkgn.2022.24.1.13

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to measure toe grip strength (TGS) and identify its related factors among older adults receiving services from home-visiting caregivers. It is necessary to investigate TGS to develop fall prevention programs because the chance of falling at home increases among older adults.
Methods
Data were gathered from 91 older adults enrolled in six home-visiting care centers located in C city. Six trained social workers at each center visited older adults’ homes and gathered data between March 29 and April 15, 2021.
Results
There were significant differences in TGS by gender (t=2.15, p=.035), age (r=-.28, p=.006), education level (F=6.69, p<.001), living arrangement (F=6.13, p=.003), and diabetes mellitus (DM) (t=-2.50, p=.014). Levels of TGS were significantly correlated with self-rated health status (r=.28, p=.08), satisfaction with daily life together (r=.28, p=.007), and number of falls (r=-.22, p=.035). TGS was influenced by being educated(high school and beyond) (β=.28, p=.004), living with a spouse only (β=.26, p=.009), having DM (β=.23, p=.015), and satisfaction with doing daily life together with caregivers (β=.21, p=.030). The regression model explained 25% of study participants’ TGS.
Conclusion
TGS among Korean older adults receiving services from home-visiting caregivers was low. At-home fall prevention programs must develop for the older population. Home-visiting caregivers must take key roles to strengthen older adults’ TGS and prevent their falls.

Keyword

노인; 장기요양; 낙상; 당뇨병; Aged; Long-term care; Fall; Diabetes mellitus