Physical mobility level of older adults due to hip fractures.

Abstract

Introduction: Physical mobility in older adults is reduced by physical and biological changes over time. Loss of strength and muscle mass are the main limiting factors for leading a healthy and fulfilling life. Demographic changes in recent decades have led to an increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases in older adults, such as osteoporosis, which has dangerous consequences such as hip fracture. A serious injury has complications that can put an older adult's life at risk.

General objective: To evaluate the physical mobility of older adults affected by hip fractures in a Secondary Care Hospital. Specific objectives: To describe the sociodemographic variables of the population, identify the level of physical mobility of older adults affected by hip fractures, and relate the level of physical mobility of older adults to sociodemographic variables.

Methodology: Quantitative approach, non-experimental, descriptive, and cross-sectional design. Non-probability convenience sampling. Sample comprised 50 older adults from a Secondary Care Hospital. CUPAX instrument used, Cronbach's alpha 0.94.

Results: The sociodemographic variables were: the age range was between 65-70 years, the predominant marital status was being married and widowed 38% (19), Catholic religion 60% (30), diagnosis of hip fracture 86% (43), the most frequent reason for hip fracture was falling from one's own height 64% (32), physical mobility in older adults was low 50% (25) and medium mobility 28% (14). In relation to the variables and physical mobility was low. Conclusions: The level of physical mobility of older adults in a Secondary Care Hospital was low. This is a risk factor associated with the physical mobility index in patients over 65 years of age; our population most susceptible to hip fracture and therefore increased mortality are female patients.