Independent Association Between Frailty and Fear of Falling in Older Adults After Hip Fracture Surgery: A Cross-Sectional Study Using a Secondary Analysis.

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the independent association between the fear of falling (FOF) and frailty in Korean older adults after hip fracture surgery. Methods: The study included 149 participants. Participants were asked to provide general characteristics and complete walking speed, grip strength, frailty, and Short Falls Efficacy Scale-International assessments. A binary logistic regression model was used to investigate the independent association of the FOF with frailty. Results: Among the participants, 49% were found to be prefrail and 24.8% were frail. Additionally, 86.5% reported a moderate to severe FOF. Participants with a FOF were 1.23 times more likely to be frail, and those aged 85 years and older were 13.25 times more likely to be frail. Conclusion: This study's findings serve as a basis for developing and applying interventions to reduce frailty in older adults after hip fracture surgery. These interventions should consider the oldest-old (≥ 85 years) age group when they are designed.