Elderly awareness and perception of neck femur fracture in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND

Femoral neck fractures are prevalent and make up the highest per cent of proximal femur fractures. The femoral neck is the most common location for a hip fracture. This study aims to assess elderly awareness and perception of neck femur fracture in Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

A descriptive cross-sectional web-based study was conducted targeting all persons aged 60 years or above. An online questionnaire was developed by the study researchers based on literature review and after consultation of the field experts. The anonymous questionnaire was published using the social media platforms from October 2022 to January 2023 by the researchers and their families.

RESULTS

A total of 410 elderly completed the study questionnaire. Elderly age ranged from 60 to 89 years with mean age of 68.2 ± 10.9 years old. A total of 44 (10.7%) of the study elderly had an overall good awareness regarding NFF. The most reported sources were physician (61.7%), social media (41.2%), mass media (33.4%) and books and magazines reading (20.5%).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, elderly awareness regarding femur neck fracture was very low especially among male elderly and those with no history of trauma. Poor awareness for clinical presentation and complications of NFF was reported.