Purpose: A compliance survey was conducted to establish factors
that influence low user compliance with hip protectors
amongst aging adults at risk of hip fracture. Medical professionals
who deal with patients at risk of hip facture were also
included in this survey. Methods: For this descriptive study 2
questionnaires were designed, 1 for community dwelling aging
adults at high risk of fall and hip fracture and 1 for medical
professionals dealing with these patients. The questionnaires
were presented, completed, and collected at individual appointments
with aging adults and by group appointments with
medical professionals. All data was statistically analysed to detect
the most significant factors related to poor user compliance
with hip protectors. For this descriptive study, frequency
tests were used to analyse the data and therefore percentage of
response was also reported. Certain demographic data such as
age and gender was also collected. Results: The outcomes in
both interviewed groups were very similar. The main findings
demonstrate that 51% of users find hip protectors very valuable
while 41% reported the product to be uncomfortable and 29%
of users found them difficult to put on. For potential users the
high cost of the product and its appearance remains an issue.
Also negative psychological aspects of wearing the hip orthoses
appear to be common reasons for not wearing a hip protector.
Conclusion: The study confirmed poor user compliance with
hip protectors (18.9%). The information gathered from users
and medical professionals regarding hip protectors provides
valuable information which allows for the identification and
development of new design features.
Key Words: hip protectors, fracture prevention, hip fracture