Quality of life of patients with hip fracture was better during the COVID-19 period than before, an ancillary study...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Public Health

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns may have isolated elderly hip fracture patients.
• Assessing the pandemic's impact on hip fracture patient quality of life is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the quality of life (QOL) of older adults 90 days after hip fracture surgery.
• To compare QOL outcomes before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Main Methods:

• An ancillary study of the HiFIT trial compared QOL using EQ-5D, PQOL, and IADL.
• 161 patients pre-COVID and 213 patients during COVID were analyzed.
• Outcomes were assessed 90 days post-hip fracture surgery.

Main Results:

• Patient demographics and return-to-residence rates were similar between periods.
• EQ-5D scores indicated better pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression during the COVID period.
• Perceived Quality of Life (PQOL) happiness and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) remained comparable.

Conclusions:

• Hip fracture patient QOL was not negatively affected 90 days post-surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• EQ-5D dimensions for pain/discomfort and anxiety were unexpectedly better during the COVID period.
• Multivariate analysis showed higher odds of poorer outcomes pre-COVID for pain, anxiety, and mobility.