The Relationship between Depression and Fear of Falling in Older Adults Referred to Rasht Comprehensive Health Centers

Abstract

Background: Increased life expectancy has increased the likelihood of chronic diseases. Depression, as the most common mental disorder for older adults, and fear of falling, which may lead to lower self-esteem and self-efficacy, can be barriers to proper physical activity. Objectives: The current study aimed to determine the relationship between depression and fear of falling in older adults. Methods: This descriptive-correlational study was conducted in 2018 on 90 randomly selected older adults aged 60 years and older referred to comprehensive health centers in the city of Rasht. Data were collected using a questionnaire on demographic information, a 15-item Geriatric Depression scale, and Falls Efficacy Scale-International Form. Data were analyzed through SPSS version 21 using descriptive and inferential tests (the Spearman and the Mann-Whitney U correlation coefficient). A P value of < 0.005 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Most of the participants (60%) were female. The mean age was 68.44 ± 7.60 years, the mean depression score was 7.40 ± 2.03, and the mean fear of falling was 36.97 ± 12.73. There was a significant positive correlation between depression and fear of falling (r = 0.420, P = 0.0001). Conclusions: These findings clarify the importance of proper planning by health authorities to prevent and treat mental disorders in older adults.