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Document Type

Abstract

Publication Date

12-1-2024

Abstract

Background: Grip strength (GS) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are both pivotal determinants of physical and mental well-being in middle-aged and older adults. While the relationship between GS and HRQoL has been established, further exploration is needed to understand the direction and underlying mechanisms of this relationship. This study aimed to longitudinally examine the bidirectional association between GS and HRQoL, and whether this association differs based on smoking behaviors.

Methods: Based on two waves of data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), including 6,314 individuals 45 years and older, male 3,021 (47.85%) and female 3,293 (52.15%), a cross-lagged panel model was used to test the bidirectional relationship between objectively measured GS and self-reported HRQoL. And reliability of the questionnaire was analyzed by Cronbach's Alpha (α=0.819), which was further divided into the physical component summary (PCS) (Cronbach's α=0.756) and mental component summary (MCS) (Cronbach's α=0.798).

Results: Correlation analyses revealed significant positive correlations between PCS, MCS, and HRQoL at T1 and T2. In the cross-lagged panel model, PCS at T1 predicted GS at T2 (B = 0.154, p < 0.001), MCS at T1 predicted GS at T2 (B = 0.132, p < 0.001), GS at T1 predicted PCS at T2 (B = 0.106, p < 0.001), and GS at T1 predicted MCS at T2 (B = 0.126, p < 0.001). However, when the study population was categorized into three groups based on smoking behavior (current smokers, former smokers, never smokers), the bidirectional relationship was maintained only among never smokers. The GS at T1 was unable to predict the PCS at T2 among current smokers, while the MCS at T1 was unable to predict GS at T2 among former smokers.

Conclusions: GS predicts HRQoL and vice versa. It is important to promote GS and HRQoL through various means in later life, to establish a positive cycle that enhances the physical and psychological well-being of middle-aged and older adults. Moreover, attention should be given to addressing smoking behavior. By doing so, the adverse effects of smoking on both physical and psychological aspects can be reduced, ultimately promoting the HRQoL and active aging.

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