The Relationship Between Alcohol Consumption and Hip Fracture Recovery Among Older Adults

Background: We examined the relationship between alcohol consumption and hip fracture recovery. Methods: Repeated measures analysis was used to analyze Baltimore Hip Studies (BHS) seventh cohort 12-month prospective data of hip fracture patients. The analytical sample was limited to individuals with baseline and follow-up alcohol data, representing n = 278 sample size, 49% male, and mean age 81 years. Results: In the year prior to fracture, sample reporting indicated 45% nondrinking, 48% one to seven drinks per week, and 7% eight or more drinks per week alcohol levels. There were some changes in alcohol status during the study period (p <.001); 42% remained nondrinkers and 47% remained alcohol consumers, but 8% stopped alcohol use, and 3% reported alcohol consumption after nondrinking at baseline. Alcohol was a predictor (p <.05) of disability and physical function, not showing worse recovery for drinkers. Conclusion: Almost half of the sample consumed alcohol throughout the study period, with no clear indication of negative effects on hip fracture recovery.