Mediating role of fall-related efficacy in a fall prevention program

Objectives: We examined the multidimensionality of the new Perceived Ability to Prevent and Manage Fall Risks (PAPMFR) scale that assesses fall-related efficacy (FE) and the mediating role of EF between fear of falling (FOF) and functional mobility (FM). Methods: We carried out a secondary data analysis of 552 participants (mean age = 76.45, SD = 7.79) in a fall prevention program, A Matter of Balance Volunteer Lay Leader Model (AMOB/VLL). We used exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses to evaluate the PAPMFR scale. We used structural equation modeling to test the mediating role of PAPMFR between FOF and FM. Results: We identified 3 dimensions of PAPMFR: steadiness/balance, gait, and fall management. We confirmed the mediating effect of the PAPMFR on the relation between FOF and FM with acceptable fit in cross-sectional (χ ² /df = 2.25, RMSEA = .06, 95% CI: .04 to .09, CFI = .98 SRMR = .03) and half-longitudinal (χ ² /df = 3.04, RMSEA = .08, 95% CI: .07 to .09, CFI = .95, SRMR = .04) models. Conclusions: AMOB/VLL shows promise to enhance FE, which may mediate FM improvements among participants. Findings suggest that improving confidence to prevent and manage falls can complement exercise training to promote active aging. Future research should investigate various FE dimensions.