Association of Frailty Comorbidity with Incidence of Fractures among Elderly at Assiut Trauma University Hospital

Abstract

Background: Frailty is a growing public health concern, impacts clinical care significantly. As the elderly population expands, frailty rates are expected to increase. Bone fractures are a public health issue especially in elderly people that lead to disability, impaired quality of life, and high health-care costs. Aim: To assess the association of frailty comorbidity with incidence of fractures among elderly. Research design: A descriptive cross-sectional research design. Setting: inpatient ward and outpatients' clinics in Trauma Hospital at Assiut University. Sample: A convenience sample of 321 older adult patients who had Fractures. Study tools: Three tools were selected I: Structured interviewing questionnaire II: Reported Edmonton Frail Scale to assess frailty for elderly patients with fractures and II: Charlson Comorbidity Index scale to assess level of comorbidity. Results: The proportions of falls as a cause of fracture were 81.7% for all fractures and 76.0% of the studied elderly patients fall in their home. The most common fractures in the total population was the hip fracture (48.6%), and femur fracture (22.4%). Most of studied elderly patients have severe frailty (52.7%), moderate frailty (17.4%). This study found statistical significant difference between patient’s comorbidities and frailty at p-value <0.000. Conclusion: The study highlights the association of frailty and incidence of fractures among elderly patients and level of comorbidities. Recommendation: Implement evidence-based rehabilitation programs to improve mobility and reduce complications after fractures.