Risk group for hip fracture in elderly women identified by primary care questionnaire--clinical implications

Every fourth Swedish woman suffers hip fracture during life-time. Several methods for fall and fracture prevention are known. In this study we identify women at high hip fracture risk in a primary care population, describing their needs for possible fracture prevention as well.

Cross-sectional questionnaire study for self-assessment by randomly chosen elderly women (n=100) over 70 years of age in a Primary health Care district at 1998. Questionnaire was designed from previous validated study. Follow-up study after three years performed at 2001.

Response rate was 92% (n=92, mean age 78) and 90% (n=83) answered the main 40 questions. 30% had at least two of four major risk factors for hip fracture; age over 80 years, body weight below 60 kg, recent fall and previous fragility fracture. The recall ability for at least two of these four risk factors was 93% in follow-up study after three years (relative risk = 8.0 with 95% confidence interval 3.5 to 18). 34% of the women had experienced any fracture since the age of 50. Only 22% of the women with previous fragility fracture had any pharmacological treatment for osteoporosis. 26% had falls in the preceding 12 months, mainly at home. Needs for fracture prevention were found in 34% (27 women).

Age, weight, recent falls or previous fragility fracture were common and important clinical risk factors for hip fracture with good recall ability after three years. By using this questionnaire in a Primary health Care district we identified women at high fracture risk. Needs for fracture prevention were observed for one third.