Fig. 1: Mediation model showing the indirect effect of frailty on quality of life through depression.

Standardized path coefficients (β) are shown. Frailty (X) served as the independent variable, depression (M) as the mediator, and quality of life (Y) as the dependent variable. The path from frailty to depression was positive, and the path from depression to quality of life was negative, indicating a significant indirect effect of frailty on quality of life through depression. *p < 0.001 for all paths shown.