Polyvictimization and Recurrent Falling in Older Ecuadorian Adults: The Mediation Role of Depressive Symptoms

• Published in: Journal of aging and health Vol. 33; no. 1-2; pp. 27 - 38
• Main Authors: Reyes-Ortiz, Carlos A., Perez-Zepeda, Mario U., Ocampo-Chaparro, José M., Campo-Arias, Adalberto, Borda, Miguel G., Holmes, Holly M., Luque, John S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.01.2021; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Health technology assessment; Mental depression; Victimization; recurrent falling; mediation analysis; depression; polyvictimization
• ISSN: 0898-2643; 1552-6887
• DOI: 10.1177/0898264320952916

Objective: To assess depressive symptoms as a mediator in the association between polyvictimization and recurrent falling. Methods: Using data from the Salud, Bienestar y Envejecimiento (Health, Well-being, and Aging) Ecuador Study, we analyzed community-dwelling adults 60 years and older (n = 5227). Recurrent falling was determined as ≥2 falls during the prior 12 months. Polyvictimization was determined as a history of ≥2 types of abuse. The mediator was depressive symptoms. Mediation analyses were based on the VanderWeele method. Results: Polyvictimization was significantly associated with higher odds of recurrent falling, and odds ratio (OR) = 1.45 (95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.20–1.76). Higher depressive symptoms increase the odds for recurrent falling (OR = 1.09 and 95% CI 1.07–1.11). Moreover, depressive symptoms were a significant mediator between polyvictimization and recurrent falling. The mediating effect was 28.4%. Discussion: Polyvictimization was associated with higher odds of recurrent falling, and this association was mediated by depressive symptoms.