RISK-FACTORS FOR HIP FRACTURE IN A HIGH-INCIDENCE AREA - A CASE-CONTROL STUDY FROM OSLO, NORWAY

The aim of this population-based matched case-control study was to eva luate the effect of risk factors for hip fracture in Oslo, Norway, whi ch has some of the highest incidence rates ever reported. The study po pulation comprised all non-institutionalized persons 50 years or older living in the catchment area of two Oslo hospitals, and cases were 24 6 patients admitted for hip fracture during a 1-year period. The contr ols were randomly selected from the study population, matched 1:1 for age and sex. Hip fracture was associated with lean body stature, smoki ng, low grip strength and decreased levels of physical activity, and i nversely with length of education. In addition, hip fracture was inver sely related to indicators of total food intake (number of meals per d ay, frequency of dinners, and slices of bread per day). A relation bet ween hip fracture and low vitamin D intake was also suggested, whereas no association with dietary calcium intake was found. Finally, increa sed risk df fracture was seen in persons reporting two or more hospita l admissions in the previous 2 years, and in those reporting weight re duction due to poor appetite during the previous year. In conclusion, the risk factor pattern for hip fracture was much the same in the elde rly population of Oslo as previously described in other populations wi th a lower incidence of fracture. This study also indicates a relation between hip fracture and low food intake.