The accuracy of self-reported fractures in older people.
Self-report is often used in large-scale studies. Therefore, it is important to determine the accuracy of self-report. In the Blue Mountains Eye Study, a population-based study of 3,654 older, community-dwelling Australians, subjects were asked about fracture history at the 5-year follow-up interview. All reported non-rib and vertebral fractures were radiologically confirmed. Hospital radiology records were searched for fracture records of people who reported no fractures in the 5-year period. Of 2,326 subjects who came to the interview, 272 subjects reported 318 fractures sustained since 1990. Overall, 34.6% of fracture reports could not be confirmed, mainly due to no record of treatment. Among self-reported fractures, false positive rates were 10.7% for all fractures and 4.8% for hip, 2.2% for wrist, 19.4% for ankle, and 6.6% for shoulder fractures. Sensitivity and specificity of fracture reports was high, with the lowest sensitivity for shoulder fractures (82.4%). Self-report of major osteoporotic fractures is reasonably accurate but may be improved by obtaining more details about treatment.
Ivers
Rebecca Q
RQ
Institute for International Health, University of Sydney, PO Box 576, Newtown NSW 2042, Sydney, Australia. rivers@iih.usyd.edu.au
Cumming
Robert G
RG
Mitchell
Paul
P
Peduto
Anthony J
AJ
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005188:False Negative Reactions; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D005260:Female; D005598:Fractures, Spontaneous / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008499:Medical Records; D008875:Middle Aged; D009517:New South Wales / Q000453:epidemiology; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology; D011859:Radiography; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012650:Self Disclosure; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards