Use of hip protector in elderly Chinese women: a one-year observational study

Purpose. This one-year observational study assessed the compliance with hip protector use in elderly Chinese women with hip injury and possible factors that influence compliance. Methods. Demographics, socioeconomic information and compliance at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after discharge in 33 compliant and 32 noncompliant patients were compared. Results. The compliance rate of hip protector use was maintained to above 60% up to the 6-month follow-up but dropped to 50.8% after 1 year. Patients who were aware of the importance of wearing hip protectors were significantly more compliant (p=0.001). Education programmes and close monitoring by clinical staff during hospital stay and after discharge increased patient awareness. Besides, adaptation of hip protectors for individual needs reduced discomfort and poor fits. Most non-compliance factors were related to wound pain and skin allergy (p=0.02), rather than the device design and difficulties in daily functioning. The relative risk of recurrent falls was 1.34, and none of the fallers reported hip fracture. Conclusion. The compliance rate of hip protector use in elderly Chinese women was moderate. The effectiveness of hip protectors as a means of reducing hip fracture could not be justified, as the risk of falls or hip fractures was not higher in non-compliant patients. 1