Relating quality of life and social outcomes in elderly patients after hip fracture

Measurements of quality of life within specific rehabilitation populations lack validity and reliability, preventing an accurate and comprehensive rehabilitation program. The objectives of this study were to describe the quality of life (QOL) and social outcomes of a sample of elderly individuals after hip fracture and to examine the relation between them. A prospective study was conducted on 32 elderly patients between 1 and 2 years following hip surgery. Self report with two instruments was used: the QOL and the Social Provision Scale (SPS). The results showed that the mean QOL rating was moderate to average (54 out of 80). The standardized measures had satisfactory reliability. The subjects had significantly moderate QOL and social support compared with the standardization of non-disabled subjects. Regression analyses indicated that social support and provision make a significant contribution to the QOL. Our findings indicate that the overall QOL among aged individuals who had undergone hip surgery was good, and the major factors associated with good QOL are social integration and support.