title: [Case-control study of risk factors for hip fracture in the elderly].
abstract: 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.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  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
  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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing, Chung Shun Medical University Hospital, Taiwan, ROC.
authors.forename: Pei-Ju
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: Shu-Hsin
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D006620:Hip Fractures / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors