The mediating effect of self-efficacy on the relationship between family functioning and quality of life among elders with chronic diseases.

Aim: To explore whether self-efficacy has any positive or negative mediating effects between family functioning and quality of life among elders with chronic diseases.

Design: A cross-sectional study.

Methods: Questionnaires were collected from 516 community-dwelling elderly individuals with chronic diseases using a convenience sampling method. The questionnaires included the Self-efficacy for Managing Chronic Disease Six-Item Scale, the Family Adaptation Partnership Growth Affection Resolve Index and the MOS 36-Item Short Form Health Survey.

Results: Family functioning and self-efficacy impacted the quality of life of community-dwelling elderly individuals with chronic diseases. Family functioning was mediated by self-efficacy and had an indirect impact on quality of life. The mediating effect accounted for 62.50% of the total effect.