The Relationship of Fear of Falling and Quality of Life: The Mediating Effects of Frailty and Depression.

Abstract

Purpose: To examine the sequential explanatory roles of frailty and depression in the relationship between fear of falling (FOF) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in older adults.

Design: Secondary data analysis.

Methods: Path models were constructed hypothesizing frailty and depression as serial mediators of the relationship between FoF and HRQoL.

Findings: Depression independently and along with frailty serially mediated the relationship between FoF and mental HRQoL.

Conclusions: Frailty and depression are not typically considered when assessing the effect of FOF on HRQoL.

Clinical evidence: Understanding the mediating effects and common risk factors on FOF and HRQoL may be an area for interventional development for older adults.