Background: The elderly (> = 65 years of age) accounted for 10.4% of Taiwan's population in 2008. Hip-fracture-related hospitalizations cost the National Health Insurance Bureau around NT$1.3 billion annually. Hip fractures currently account for one-fifth of all fractures, and this proportion has been rising by 2.8 % annually. Hip fracture-associated mortality has been reported as 8.4-36% during the first post-fracture year. Hip fractures in the elderly is an issue that deserves further elucidation and study.
Purpose: We investigated whether variables including gender, age, body mass index, lifestyle, and medical history were risk factors for elderly hip fractures.
Methods: We used a case control study and collected data via retrospective chart review and telephone questionnaires. Hip fracture risk factor data collected included demographic, lifestyle, and medical history data.
Results: Results showed average age in the hip fracture group as significantly higher than the non-hip fracture group and body mass index as significantly lower in the hip fracture than the non-hip fracture group (p < .05). Gender, history of alcoholism, exercise habits, history of stroke, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, depression, and past fractures were identified as significant hip fracture risk factors.
Conclusions / implications for practice: This study identified critical hip fracture risk factors in the elderly. Results provide a reference for prevention and health education. Reducing hip fractures, in addition to improving daily life quality for elderly individuals, can significantly reduce medical and social expenses.