Functional outcomes of elderly women following hip fracture surgery

Abstract

Hip fracture is often a catastrophic event that carries an overwhelming threat to an individual’s independence and ability to live in the community. Also it is considered one of the most fatal fractures for elderly women, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality and impaired functional capacity, particularly for basic and instrumental activities of daily living. Objective: To assess functional outcomes following hip fracture among elderly women in Aswan Governorate. Methodology: A descriptive correlational design was used. The study subjects comprised 60 elderly women. Four tools were used to collect the data; socio- demographic and clinical data structured interview schedule, Barthel Index, Short Portable Mental State Questionnaire, and Rapid Disability Rating Scale version-2.Results: Statistically significant differences were found between functional outcomes of elderly women with hip fracture and their age, education, income, housing condition, body mass index, length of hospital stay, degree of dependence, and cognitive impairment. Conclusion & recommendations: Functional outcomes of elderly women after hip fracture surgery depend on their pre-fracture health status and functional abilities of the elderly women. These findings suggest that, it is necessary to assess and modify the home environment, in order to apply measures to overcome hazards that might lead to fall and fracture.