Abstract
AIM: The aims of this study are to examine grip strength and identify related modifiable and non-modifiable factors in two groups of nurses, a pre-pandemic group and a post-pandemic group. BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic introduced unique stressors and changes in working conditions, potentially impacting physical health and grip strength among nurses. Grip strength is one of the crucial indicators of overall health and functional status among nurses. METHOD: This cross-sectional, analytic study was conducted with 220 participants including pre-pandemic data (n = 132) and post-pandemic data (n = 88) from two separate samples of nurses and student nurses. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, the Perceived Stress Scale-4 (PSS-4), the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), anthropometric measures, and Jamar digital hand dynamometers for measuring grip strength. Descriptive and parametric tests were performed to analyze the normally distributed data. RESULTS: Data revealed that exercise and meditation habits, as well as musculoskeletal health problems, differed significantly between the pre-pandemic and post-pandemic groups. However, grip strength did not show any significant difference between the two groups. Gender and height were identified as non-modifiable predictors of grip strength, while exercise hours were determined to be modifiable predictors. CONCLUSION: Our study underscores the significant influence of modifiable factors on nurses' grip strength, highlighting the importance of regular physical activity. Targeted interventions are essential to maintain optimal grip strength to support MSK health among nurses.