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.