Occurrence of hip fractures and socioeconomic position

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine hip fracture incidence in the older U.S. White population as a function of their socioeconomic position. Methods: A sample of 5,161 White, hip fracture cases, 50 years and older, was selected using data from the National Hospital Discharge Survey for 1989-91. Median annual household income by ZIP Code of residence based on the 1990 Census was used as the measure of socioeconomic position. Fracture rates were calculated by age, sex, and income groups ranging from under $20,000 to $40,000 and more. Results: A weighted, least squares analysis found a significant linear decrease in rates with increasing income after controlling for age and sex. Conclusions: The results indicate that hip fracture incidence varies as a function of the income level of the ZIP Code area where the population resides. Implications for targeting prevention programs within local areas with low median income are discussed.