title: [Factors associated with loss of handgrip strength in long-lived elderly].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the prevalence of reduced grip strength and associated factors in long-lived elderly, who are users of primary health care.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional quantitative study, data were collected during the period of January to December of 2013, by applying tests and questionnaires. The convenience sampling was comprised of 157 seniors.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The findings indicate that the reduction in grip strength presents a moderate prevalence (25.5%), predominantly among females (19.1%), in the age group of 80-89 years (18.5%) and in those with lower educational levels (15.9%). The association between reduced grip strength and the variables of age and body mass index showed a statistical significance.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Investigations about the handgrip strength are essential for identifying clinical conditions of Brazilian long-lived elderly, and contribute to the development of plans towards the management of frailty.
authors.affiliation: Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
authors.forename: Maria Helena
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Lenardt
authors.affiliation: Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
authors.forename: Clóris Regina Blanski
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Grden
authors.affiliation: Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
authors.forename: Jacy Aurélia Vieira de
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Sousa
authors.affiliation: State University of Ponta Grossa, Ponta Grossa, PR, Brazil.
authors.forename: Péricles Martim
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Reche
authors.affiliation: Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
authors.forename: Susanne Elero
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Betiolli
authors.affiliation: Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
authors.forename: Dâmarys Kohlbeck de Melo Neu
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Ribeiro
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D016330:Frail Elderly; D018737:Hand Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018908:Muscle Weakness / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D015995:Prevalence; D012737:Sex Factors