Objective: This study aimed to examine the relationship between fracture history and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among elderly individuals with Parkinson’s disease residing in rural communities of eastern India.

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is frequently accompanied by balance impairment and motor instability, which substantially increase the likelihood of falls and skeletal injuries.

Method: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted using clinical records from the Odisha State Health Department combined with a patient-reported outcomes (PRO) survey. Participants included individuals aged 60 years and older diagnosed with PD from selected rural districts. HRQoL was assessed using two standardized instruments: the EuroQol 5-Dimension (EQ-5D) scale and the Parkinson’s Disease Patient Assessment Questionnaire Short Version (PDPAQ-SV). Additional demographic and clinical variables, including family size, accessibility to healthcare services, fracture location, number of fractures, and comorbid conditions, were collected.

Results: Among 937 registered PD patients, 551 participants (58.8%) completed the survey, and fracture information was available for 423 individuals. Participants with a history of fractures demonstrated significantly lower HRQoL scores compared with those without fractures (p < 0.001). The greatest decline in quality-of-life indices was observed among individuals with hip, leg, and spinal fractures. Multivariate analysis indicated that fracture location, number of fractures, age, obesity, pre-existing medical conditions, family support, and access to specialized healthcare services were significant predictors of HRQoL (p < 0.05). Figure 1 shows Multivariate regression coefficients showing the impact of demographic, clinical, and social factors on health-related quality of life in Parkinson’s disease patients.

Conclusion: Fractures represent a substantial contributor to reduced quality of life in elderly individuals with Parkinson’s disease living in rural settings. Both clinical factors (fracture type and comorbidities) and social determinants (family support and healthcare accessibility) play critical roles in shaping patient outcomes. Strengthening community healthcare systems and improving rehabilitation services may help mitigate the impact of fractures in this vulnerable population.

Figure 1

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/fracture-burden-and-health-related-quality-of-life-in-older-adults-with-parkinsons-disease-in-rural-india-a-community-based-study/