Falls risk perception and its influencing factors in elderly patients with hip fracture: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Objectives To explore the status and influencing factors of fall risk perception in elderly hip fracture patients, and to inform clinical fall prevention strategies. Methods This cross‑sectional study enrolled 162 elderly patients with hip fracture from Mianyang Central Hospital. Data were collected using a general information questionnaire, the Fall Risk Perception Questionnaire (FRPQ), Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS), a simplified anxiety‑depression scale, and the Fall Efficacy Scale. One‑way ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression were used for analysis. Results Mean age was 78.33 ± 9.32 years, and mean FRPQ score was 35.43 ± 12.00 (out of 78). ANOVA showed significant associations with age, education, payment method, and first‑ambulation pain ( P < 0.05); moderate‑to‑severe pain was linked to lower scores. Correlation analysis revealed negative correlations with anxiety (r= ‑ 0.358) and depression (r= ‑ 0.520), and positive correlations with social support ( r = 0.444) and fall efficacy ( r = 0.600) ( P < 0.01). Regression identified fall efficacy, social support, and high school/technical secondary education as positive independent predictors, while anxiety, depression, and moderate‑to‑severe pain were negative predictors ( R²=0.395, P < 0.05). Conclusions Postoperative fall risk perception is relatively low in this population. Enhancing fall efficacy, social support, and education, while addressing anxiety, depression, and pain, may improve risk perception and reduce falls. Clinical attention should target patients with mood disorders, severe pain, and low education level, with comprehensive interventions including analgesia, psychological support, and efficacy‑building training.