Factors influencing mobility among people post-surgery for hip fractures: A cross-sectional study

Background: After hip fracture surgery, patients often experience complications and a
decline in mobility, leading to physical disability and increased dependency on caregivers.
This may result in reduced independence, institutionalization, and higher mortality rates.
However, there is limited research on mobility and its influencing factors in patients
undergoing hip fracture surgery in Thailand.
Objective: This study aimed to determine the factors influencing mobility in patients with
fractured hips within one year after surgery.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 143 randomly selected
participants who had undergone hip fracture surgery between August 2022 to February 2023.
Mobility and its influencing factors were measured using standardized questionnaires,
including the De Morton Mobility Index, Parker Mobility Scale, Charlson Comorbidity Index,
General Practitioner Assessment of Cognition, Groningen Orthopedic Social Support Scale,
Fatigue Severity Scale, Pain Rating Scale, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Descriptive
statistics and multiple regression were utilized for data analysis.
Results: The mean mobility score for the patients was 48.86 out of 100 (SD = 17.89). The
study found that comorbidity (β = -0.156, p = 0.009), cognitive function (β = 0.310, p <0.001),
social support (β = 0.145, p = 0.010), pain (β = -0.176, p = 0.004), fatigue (β = -0.249, p
<0.001), and sleep (β = -0.169, p = 0.009) collectively influenced mobility in patients after hip
fracture surgery, explaining 61.8% of the variance (R2 = 0.618; F = 36.598; p <0.001).
Conclusion: The study’s results provide valuable insights for nurses to target these
modifiable factors to enhance patients’ mobility. However, it is essential to note that patients
with comorbidity and poor cognitive function may face difficulty maintaining mobility. Nurses
should be attentive to these patients and provide appropriate management. Additionally, early
rehabilitation should be initiated promptly to optimize outcomes.