Quality of life for hip fracture patients : assessment with medical outcomes study, 36-item short-form survey (SF-36)

Abstract

Introduction: Hip fracture (HF) is one of major healthcare burdens in Thailand especially in the elderly. Regardless of epidemiologic aspects and treatment options for hip fracture, there is scarce data for quality of life for Thai hip fracture patients. Objectives: A descriptive, cross-sectional analysis of health-related quality of life for hip fracture patients with exploration for influences of socio-demographic and clinical characteristics. Methodology: The Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form Health Survey (MOS SF-36) were employed by direct mailing to all hip fracture patients from Chiangraiprachanukroh Hospital after hospital discharge and rehabilitation at home over 6 months. Results: There were 119 patients, age 50-104 years old, mean age (SD) 74.7(11.0) both men (N=68) and women (N=51). There were no statistically significant differences for scores both by patient self-rated (N=43) and proxy-rated (N=76) (p=0.788). Medical Outcomes Study 36-items Short Form Health Survey (MOS SF-36) v. 2 is a reliable tool, with Cronbach's alpha coefficient at 0.91, 0.82 and 0.91 for Physical, Mental and Global health scores. Overall, hip fracture patients suffered deficits scores of physical, mental and global health reflecting over 35-46 %, 28-32% and 32-41% point reduction as compared with healthy people. Presence of comorbidities significantly influences quality of life in all health symptom dimensions Conclusion: Thai hip fracture patients reflected the lower physical, mental and global health as compared with healthy people. Management of comorbidities of hip fracture patients is challenging in healthcare management.