Falls as a mental health risk among Korean-American residents in subsidized senior housing: mediating effect of fall-related self-efficacy

Objectives: The study examined the mediating role of fall-related self-efficacy in the association between falls and mental health among older Korean Americans living in subsidized senior housing in the greater Los Angeles area. We focused on serious fall incidents (i.e. multiple falls or any fall with a fracture) and used symptoms of depression and anxiety as indicators of mental health. Method: Survey data from 315 participants (M age = 79.4 years) were used to examine the direct effects of serious fall incidents on mental health symptoms, as well as indirect effects through fall-related self-efficacy. Results: The mediating effect of fall-related self-efficacy was found to be significant in both models for depressive symptoms (B [SE] = 0.15 [0.07], bias-corrected 95% CI = [0.03, 0.31]) and anxiety symptoms (B [SE] = 0.11 [0.05], bias-corrected 95% CI = [0.02, 0.23]). Conclusion: The mental health impact of serious fall incidents was shaped by older individuals’ perceived concerns about falls and confidence in performance. The findings highlight the importance of addressing fall-related psychological responses in preventing falls and promoting mental health among senior housing residents.