Mediating Effects of Self-Efficacy in the Relation between Depression and Health Conservation in Community Dwelling Elderly

Background/Objectives: The purpose of this study is to identify the relationship between depression and health conservation of community dwelling elderly and to confirm the mediating effect of self-efficacy in their relationship.

Method/Statistical Analysis: This study is a descriptive study and consists of collected data using questionnaires for 129 elderly people who use the elderly community health center as an elderly person living in C, D, and S city.

Findings: The elderly depression and self-efficacy were appeared to have significant correlation with health preservation. The elderly depression has a significant effect on self-efficacy (R² = 12.9%). Depression had a statistically significant effect on health conservation (R² = 3.1%). Depression (β = -.02, p = .779) and selfefficacy (β = .47, p < .001) were significant predictors of health conservation and explanatory power was 21.8%. Self-efficacy was found to have a mediating effect of depression and health conservation of the elderly (Z = -3.13, p = .001).

Improvements/Applications: It is suggested to develop a nursing intervention program that focuses on reducing depression and enhancing self-efficacy in order to conserve the health of the elderly in daily life.