THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HANDGRIP STRENGTH AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY BARRIERS IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE UNDERGOING HEMODIALYSIS

Purpose:The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between handgrip strength (HGS) and physical activity barriers in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing hemodialysis.Methods: This cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted with 78 patients with CKD receiving treatment in the hemodialysis unit of a hospital located in southern Trkiye.An individual information form, the Physical Activity Barriers Questionnaire and HGS results obtained from a digital hand dynamometer were used to collect data. Results:The participants had a mean age of 56.8512.17years, with an equal distribution of males and females.The HGS values of male and employed patients were higher than the values of the others (p<0.05).The physical activity barriers were higher in those who were married, female, literate/primary school graduate, unemployed and had an income less than their expenses (p<0.05).Moreover, participants' HGS was associated with their physical activity barriers (r=-0.246,p<0.05). Conclusion:This study revealed weak correlations between lower HGS and higher physical activity barriers in CKD patients undergoing hemodialysis.CKD patients who were female, married, and had a lower education or income level in particular faced greater physical activity barriers.Higher age and body mass index were associated with increased barriers, while employed patients had better HGS.These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions addressing socio-economic and clinical factors to improve physical activity in this population.