Abstract
BACKGROUND: This cross-sectional study aimed to explore the potential categories of kinesiophobia in hip fractures patients, analyze the characteristic differences and associated factors across these categories, and thereby provide evidence-based references for clinical nursing practice. METHODS: This study followed the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. 381 hip fractures patients completed self-report measures assessing kinesiophobia and relevant correlates of kinesiophobia (e.g., pain, self-efficacy, family care level, frailty) from July 2024 to December 2024. Latent profile analysis was used to identify the heterogeneous subgroups, and logistic regression analysis was conducted to explore the related associated factors. RESULTS: There were two latent profiles of kinesiophobia: mild kinesiophobia - active participation type (40.6%) and severe kinesiophobia - exercise avoidance type (59.4%). Educational level, pain, and self-efficacy were significant psychological influences on kinesiophobia. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical nurses can adopt targeted rehabilitation nursing intervention based on the different category characteristics and relevant associated factors to reduce the level of kinesiophobia in hip fracture patients and promote smooth recovery. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40359-026-04131-2.