UC San Diego

Objectives

The effect of fear of falling (FoF) on recovery 1 year after hip fracture is not well known. Furthermore, the potential influence of premorbid function has not been explored. We aimed to describe rates of FoF after hip fracture, to assess the association of FoF with functional recovery 1 year post-fracture, and to evaluate the potential moderating effect of premorbid function on the relationship between FoF and functional recovery.

Design

Secondary analysis of data from a prospective, longitudinal observational study to assess genetic factors influencing functional and psychological outcomes after hip fracture over 52 weeks.

Setting

Eight area hospitals in St. Louis, MO.

Participants

241 cognitively intact individuals 60 years of age or older requiring surgical repair for hip fracture.

Measurements

Fear of falling was measured by the short Falls Efficacy Scale-International 4 and 12 weeks post-fracture. The primary outcome was probability of full recovery 52 weeks post-fracture assessed with the Functional Recovery Score.

Results

High rates of FoF were seen at 4 (60.5%) and 12 weeks (47.0%) post-fracture. Week 12 FoF was associated with lower odds of recovery for those with high function pre-fracture (odds ratio [OR]: 0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.72, 0.93), but not for those with impaired activities of daily living performance (OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 0.91, 1.19).

Conclusions

Fear of falling is common after hip fracture and is associated with poorer functional recovery 1 year after fracture, particularly in patients with high premorbid function. Fear of falling is a modifiable problem that represents a potential target for interventions to improve functional outcomes after hip fracture.