Impact of physical activity on psychological distress: a prospective analysis of an Australian national sample

Improvements in stress among Latinas participating in a randomized controlled trial of technology-supported physical activity interventions

High levels of stress and inactivity likely contribute to chronic disease disparities among Latinas in the U.S. and call for intervention. To inform such efforts, the current study examined the relationships among changes (over time) in physical activity, stress, and related cardiometabolic biomarkers among sedentary (mostly) first generation Latinas. Data are taken from a randomized controlled trial (N = 199 Latinas) of two home-based physical activity interventions (Original vs. theory- and technology- Enhanced versions). Physical activity and perceived stress were assessed at baseline and 6 and 12 months. Blood draws occurred at baseline and 6 months in a random subsample (N = 153). The participants were underactive (<60/min week of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity) Mexican American (89%) women with moderate perceived stress scores (M = 21.49, SD = 8.55, range = 0-40) and excess weight (M BMI = 30.6) at baseline. Overall, participants reported decreases in stress after 6 months enroled in the physical activity programs. The odds of a reduction in perceived stress were 11% higher among Enhanced versus Original Intervention participants (OR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.05-2.27). Those who met physical activity guidelines were significantly more likely to report reductions in perceived stress over 6 months (OR = 1.92, 95% CI: 1.08-4.16). Furthermore, those who reported reductions in perceived stress over 6 months reported significantly more moderate-to-vigorous physical activity at 12 months (+69 min/week, SE = 27.98, p = 0.01) compared to those who did not. Greater reductions in perceived stress over 6 months were associated with greater improvements in cardiometabolic biomarkers (HbA1c, triglycerides, p's < 0.05). These results support a bidirectional relationship between improvements in stress and physical activity among Latinas. Future implications include using physical activity to address stress management and health disparities in this community.

Benefits Perceived by Caregivers of Patients with Alzheimer's Disease on Physical and Emotional Health in an Interdisciplinary Program: A Qualitative Study

Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia, severely affecting the families and caregivers who live with those affected. The aim was to explore the physical, psychological, and behavioral benefits for caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease. Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with informal Alzheimer's caregivers upon completion of the program. Following a discussion on the topics, categories, and codes among the researchers, a consensus was reached to obtain the final themes and categories. Three main categories were obtained: (1) perceived benefits by the participants; (2) applicability of the knowledge; and (3) proposals for improvement. Participants expressed having perceived improvements in their ability to manage emotions and cope with the situation created by the disease, physical capacity, and in their relationships. In this sense, the application of the contents addressed during the intervention became a fundamental tool for the participants' daily lives. This study showed how an interdisciplinary intervention with psychological sessions, health education, and physical activities could be beneficial for improving both the physical and mental health of caregivers.

Longitudinal description and prediction of physical inactivity among patients with borderline personality disorder and personality-disordered comparison subjects

BACKGROUND

The physical and psychological benefits of physical activity are well-known, and physical activity has been proven to be a helpful adjunct to psychotherapeutic treatment for many symptomatic disorders, including mood and anxiety disorders. The current study explores physical inactivity levels in patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD). The first aim of this study is to describe the 12-year course of physical inactivity in patients with BPD. The second aim is to examine predictors of physical inactivity, including adversity experiences, comorbid symptomatic (formerly axis I) disorders, medical disorders, and demographic factors.

METHODS

Two hundred and forty-five patients with BPD were interviewed seven times over 12-years of prospective follow-up as part of the McLean Study of Adult Development (MSAD). Patients were categorized as ever-recovered (i.e., patient had experienced a symptomatic and psychosocial recovery from BPD) or never-recovered. At each follow-up, patients reported physical activity levels (minutes of exercise per week) via a semi-structured interview- the Medical History and Services Utilization Interview (MHSUI). Data was collected from June 1992 to December 2018.

RESULTS

Never-recovered patients with BPD were significantly more inactive than their ever-recovered counterparts (p < 0.001). These rates of inactivity remained stable over time for both groups. Two significant multivariate predictors of inactivity were found: obesity (p = 0.003) and PTSD (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Non-recovered BPD patients are more likely to be inactive than patients who have recovered. Both clinical and medical factors appear to contribute to inactivity levels in patients with BPD.

Participation in Sports/Recreational Activities and the Occurrence of Psychological Distress in Mid-Aged Adults: Findings From the HABITAT Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate prospective associations between participation in sports/recreational activities and the occurrence of moderate-to-severe psychological distress over 2 years in a sample of mid-aged Australians.

METHODS

This prospective study used data from 6699 adults aged 40+ years, living in Brisbane in 2007, and surveyed in 2009, 2011 and 2013. Participants provided self-reported data on frequency of participation in each of 11 sports/recreational activities in past 12 months and completed the Kessler Psychological Distress 6-item Scale (K6). Generalized estimating equation (GEE) models with a 2-year lag were used to assess the associations of participation in sports/recreational activities in 2009 and 2011 with new cases of moderate-to-severe psychological distress (K6 score ≥ 5) in 2011 and 2013.

RESULTS

From 2009 to 2013, 22.4% of participants without moderate-to-severe psychological distress at baseline (N = 4943) developed this outcome in at least one survey. Overall, there were no clear patterns of association between frequency of participation in sports and recreational activities and occurrence of moderate-to-severe psychological distress. In unadjusted models, weekly participation in some activities (e.g., tennis, golf, and exercise classes) was associated with reduced odds of moderate-to-severe psychological distress over the next 2 years, but these associations were attenuated in most adjusted models with sociodemographic, lifestyle, and health covariates. Participation in home-based exercise and running/jogging were associated with higher odds of psychological distress.

CONCLUSION

Our findings do not provide strong evidence of beneficial associations of frequency of sport/recreational activities with psychological distress but show surprising negative associations of home-based exercise and running/jogging with occurrence of moderate-to-severe psychological distress over 2 years.

Interactions between physical activity and psychological factors in the association with the risk of lean type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background: The extent to which physical activity and psychological factors may affect the risk of diabetes mellitus among lean individuals remains unclear.Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the associations of total physical activity (TPA) and psychological factors with lean type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk.Research Design: A prospective cohort study.Study Sample: The study population included 1,945 Korean adults who maintained a body mass index <23 kg/m2.Data Collection and Analysis: Baseline data on TPA and psychological factors were collected and T2DM incidence was assessed for 10 years. For analysis, a multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model was used.Results: TPA was inversely associated with T2DM risk and this association was more pronounced in participants who were depressed or distressed; the top TPA quartile exhibited significant reductions in T2DM risk of 66% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.15, 0.78) and 65% (95% CI: 0.14, 0.88) among participants who reported depressed mood and those who perceived high distress, respectively, compared with the bottom TPA quartile.Conclusions: The current study demonstrated the preventive effects of physical activity on T2DM in lean adults through its interaction with psychological factors.

Long-term recreational exercise patterns in adolescents and young adults: Trajectory predictors and associations with health, mental-health, and educational outcomes

Individual and societal factors influencing the formation of long-term recreational exercise habits during the transition from adolescence to young adulthood are not well explored. Using data from the Longitudinal Survey of Australian Youth (LSAY), a population-representative cohort study of Young People followed from age 15 to 25, we aimed to (1) model longitudinal recreational exercise trajectories from age 16 to 24, (2) examine predictors at age 15 of entering these trajectories, and (3) explore the association between the trajectories and health, mental health and educational achievement outcomes measured at the final study wave (age 25). Self-reported recreational exercise frequency data from 9353 LSAY participants were analysed using group-based trajectory modelling. We modelled the evolution of two patterns of recreational exercise behaviour: daily exercise, as per public health guidelines (Model 1); and at least once weekly exercise (Model 2). Model 1 trajectories were guideline-adherent exercisers (17.9% of the sample), never guideline exercisers (27.5%), guideline drop-outs (15.2%) and towards guideline (39.4%); Model 2 trajectories were weekly exercise (69.5% of the sample), decreasing (17.4%), increasing (4.8%), and infrequent (8.3%). For both models, at age 15, trajectory membership was predicted by gender, self-efficacy, time spent participating in sport, time spent watching TV, parental socioeconomic status, and academic literacy. At age 25, people in the guideline-adherent exerciser trajectory (model 1) reported better general health relative to other trajectories, Those in the weekly exerciser trajectory (model 2) had better general health and reduced rates of psychological distress, were happier with life and were more optimistic for the future relative to participants in less than weekly trajectory groups. Exercise-promoting interventions for Young People should specifically address the needs of females, people with low self-efficacy, reluctant exercisers, higher academic achievers, and those experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage.

Role of Satisfaction with Life, Sex and Body Mass Index in Physical Literacy of Spanish Children

Physical activity (PL) is essential to achieve good health, prevent cardiovascular diseases, obesity and overweight, as well as to achieve a better quality of life. Therefore, PL could become the tool to increase the practice of physical activity among young people, thus increasing life satisfaction (LS) given its positive relationship with physical activity. A single-measure cross-sectional correlational study was carried out, involving 135 children aged 8-12 years from Extremadura. They were administered the SWLS questionnaire and the Canadian assessment of physical literacy (CAPL-2). Significantly higher levels of PL (p = 0.010) were found in normal-weight children compared to overweight and obese children, due to the physical competence domain score (p < 0.001). PL was directly related to SWLS (p < 0.001), but inversely related to BMI (p = 0.018). The daily physical activity behaviour domain was explained by SWLS (p < 0.001) and sex (p < 0.001). Physical competence was described by SWLS (p < 0.001) and BMI (p = 0.045). Finally, the motivation and confidence domain were only significantly associated with SWLS (p < 0.001). It was concluded that boys and girls of normal weight achieved higher levels of PL and LS than those with overweight and obesity, establishing a negative relationship of PL with BMI and positive with LS.

Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity Associated with Psychosocial Outcomes in Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes

Background

Adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are particularly vulnerable to poor psychosocial outcomes-high rates of diabetes distress and poor quality of life are common among this cohort. Previous work in the general population demonstrated positive associations between quality of life and increases in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), as well as decreased sedentary behavior. While survey-based assessments of young adults with T1D observed similar trends, these studies were limited by their use of subjective assessments of MVPA and sedentary behavior. The use of direct activity monitoring is needed to establish the association between psychosocial outcomes and MVPA and sedentary behavior among adolescents with T1D.

Objective

To explore the association between objectively measured MVPA and sedentary behavior on psychosocial outcomes among adolescents with T1D.

Subjects and Methods

The current study is a secondary analysis of baseline data collected for a pilot trial of sleep-promoting intervention for adolescents with T1D. Participants (n = 29, with a mean age of 15.9 ± 1.3 years) completed baseline surveys and wore an actigraph for a week following the baseline visit. We examined minutes per week of MVPA and proportion of awake time spent sedentary in relation to adolescents' diabetes distress, depressive symptoms, and diabetes-related quality of life.

Results

Participants engaged in a mean of 19.6 ± 22.4 minutes of MVPA per day and spent 68.6 ± 9.9% of their awake time sedentary. MVPA was associated with lower diabetes distress in unadjusted (-3.6; 95% CI: -6.4 to -0.8) and adjusted (-2.6; 95% CI: -5.0--0.3) analyses. Sedentary time was associated with higher diabetes distress in adjusted (6.3; 95% CI: 1.3-11.2) but not unadjusted (6.0; 95% CI: -5.6-12.6) analyses. In secondary analyses, we did not observe significant associations between quality of life or depressive symptoms with either MVPA or sedentary behavior.

Discussion

Our findings extend previous survey-based work demonstrating an association between decreased diabetes distress with greater weekly MVPA and lower sedentary time. The current study highlights the multifaceted benefits of physical activity in this population and provides preliminary evidence for developing interventions to reduce sedentary time as an alternative method to improve psychosocial outcomes in this at-risk population.

A Bibliometric Analysis of Physical Literacy Studies in Relation to Health of Children and Adolescents

Regular physical activity (PA) is an essential component of maintaining good health, thereby improving the physical and psychological well-being of the population. PA performed during childhood and adolescence can have repercussions in adulthood, contributing to the prevention of chronic activities and improving quality of life. Given its high relationship with PA, physical literacy could play a crucial role in valuing and participating in a physically active lifestyle, thus addressing low rates of PA participation from an early age. This bibliometric analysis provides a globalized view of physical literacy (PL) and its relationship with health, pathologies, prevention, or intervention among children and adolescents. Publications registered on Web of Science were analyzed using bibliometrics based on data from 141 documents published between 2014 and 2022, while the VOSviewer software v. 1.6.18. was used for the processing and visualization of the data and metadata. The results show an exponential growth in scientific research over the last 8 years, with an accumulation of documents in four journals and a distribution of publications spanning thirty-seven countries and regions. The network of researchers consists of 500 researchers, with the largest number of publications corresponding to 18 co-authors with at least 5 publications. The principal purpose of this research was to identify the most prolific co-authors, most-cited journals and co-authors, and the most relevant keywords.

Participation in the Global Corporate Challenge®, a Four-Month Workplace Pedometer Program, Reduces Psychological Distress

BACKGROUND

Psychological distress (stress) has been linked to an increased risk of chronic diseases and is exacerbated by a range of workplace factors. Physical activity has been shown to alleviate psychological distress. Previous pedometer-based intervention evaluations have tended to focus on physical health outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the immediate and long-term changes in psychological distress in employees based in Melbourne, Australia after their participation in a four-month pedometer-based program in sedentary workplaces.

METHODS

At baseline, 716 adults (aged 40 ± 10 years, 40% male) employed in primarily sedentary occupations, voluntarily enrolled in the Global Corporate Challenge© (GCC©), recruited from 10 Australian workplaces to participate in the GCC^® Evaluation Study, completed the Kessler 10 Psychological Distress Scale (K10). Of these, 422 completed the K10 at baseline, 4 months and 12 months.

RESULTS

Psychological distress reduced after participation in a four-month workplace pedometer-based program, which was sustained eight months after the program ended. Participants achieving the program goal of 10,000 steps per day or with higher baseline psychological distress had the greatest immediate and sustained reductions in psychological distress. Demographic predictors of immediate reduced psychological distress (n = 489) was having an associate professional occupation, younger age, and being 'widowed, separated or divorced'.

CONCLUSIONS

Participation in a workplace pedometer-based program is associated with a sustained reduction in psychological distress. Low-impact physical health programs conducted in groups or teams that integrate a social component may be an avenue to improve both physical and psychological health in the workplace.

A Climbing (Bouldering) Intervention to Increase the Psychological Well-Being of Adolescents in the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon-Study Protocol for a Controlled Trial

(1) Background: Adolescent refugees in Lebanon and Lebanese youth are both at high risk of suffering from reduced psychological well-being. Sport is an evidence-based strategy for improving mental and physical health, and climbing is a type of sport that may positively impact both. The aim of this study is to test the effect of a manualized, psychosocial group climbing intervention on the well-being, distress, self-efficacy, and social cohesion of adolescents in Lebanon. In addition, the mechanisms behind psychological changes will be investigated. (2) Methods: In this mixed-methods waitlist-controlled study, we are allocating a minimum of 160 participants to an intervention (IG) or a control group (CG). The primary outcome is overall mental well-being (WEMWBS) after the 8-week intervention. Secondary outcomes include distress symptoms (K-6 Distress Scale), self-efficacy (General Self-Efficacy Scale; GSE), and social cohesion. Potential mechanisms of change and implementation factors are being investigated through qualitative interviews with a subgroup of 40 IG participants. (3) Conclusions: The results may contribute to knowledge of sports interventions and their effects on psychological well-being and will provide insights regarding low-intensity interventions for supporting adolescent refugees and host populations in conflict-affected settings. The study was prospectively registered at the ISRCTN platform (current-controlled trials). ISRCTN13005983.

Identifying the predictors of severe psychological distress by auto-machine learning methods

Social stress in daily life and the COVID-19 pandemic have greatly impacted the mental health of the population. Early detection of a predisposition to severe psychological distress is essential for timely interventions. This paper analyzed 4036 samples participating in the 2019-2020 National Health Information Trends Survey (HINTS) and identified 57 candidate predictors of severe psychological distress based on univariate chi-square and t-test analyses. Five machine learning methods, namely logistic regression (LR), automatic generalized linear models (Auto-GLM), automatic random forests (Auto-Random Forests), automatic deep neural networks (Auto-Deep learning) and automatic gradient boosting machines (Auto-GBM), were employed to model synthetic minority oversampling technique-based (SMOTE) resampled data and identify predictors of severe psychological distress. Predictors were evaluated by odds ratios in logistic models and variable importance in the other models. Forty-seven variables were identified as significant predictors of severe psychological distress, including 13 sociodemographic variables and 34 variables related to individual lifestyle and behavioral habits. Among them, new potentially relevant variables related to an individual's level of concern and trust in cancer information, exposure to health care providers, and cancer screening and awareness are included. The performance of each model was evaluated using five-fold cross-validation. The optimal model performance-wise was Auto-GBM with an accuracy of 89.75%, a precision of 89.68%, a recall of 89.31%, an F1-score of 89.48% and an AUC of 95.57%. Significant predictors of severe psychological distress were identified in this study and the value of machine learning methods in predicting severe psychological distress is demonstrated, thereby enhancing pre-prediction and clinical decision-making of severe psychological distress problems.

A Cross-Sectional Study on Physical Activity and Psychological Distress in Adults with Asthma

Physical Activity (PA) could contribute to decreasing psychological distress and improving Self-Perceived Health (SPH) in adults with Asthma. The main objective of this study was to analyse the associations between the Physical Activity Level (PAL) Perceived Social Support (PSS) and Mental Health, using the Goldberg General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), and SPH in the adult population with Asthma. This descriptive cross-sectional study is based on data from the 2017 Spanish National Health Survey, including 1040 participants with Asthma in the study. The Kruskal-Wallis test was performed to study the hypothetical differences between the PAL and the different variables derived from the GHQ-12. In addition, correlations between the variables generated and the items of the GHQ-12, together with the PAL and the Duke-UNC-11, were analysed using Spearman's rho correlation coefficients. Inverse correlations were found between Mental Health and PSS (rho: -0.351) and between Mental Health and PAL (rho: -0.209), as well as in the rest of the GHQ-12 items: successful coping (rho: -0.197), self-esteem (rho: -0.193) and stress (rho: -0.145). The more active subjects had better SPH. Therefore, the research showed how higher PAL and positive SPH are related to lower psychological distress in adults with Asthma.

Longitudinal Association of Physical Activity, Mastery and Psychological Distress in Mid-Aged Adults over 9-Years

Psychological distress is highly prevalent and associated with significant adverse health outcomes and economic burden. Mastery and physical activity are potential resources to reduce distress and promote wellbeing; however, previous research has not examined their potential interactive relationship over time. The purpose of this study was to explore associations between mastery, physical activity, and distress in mid-aged adults over nine years. Data from a longitudinal mail survey study including the Kessler 6, Pearlin Mastery Scale, and items assessing time spent in physical activity were examined in a sample of 4404 adults aged 40 to 54 years at baseline. Group-Based Trajectory Models identified two distinct trajectories of psychological distress (elevated and low). Generalized Estimating Equations were used to assess mastery and physical activity, adjusting for sociodemographic and health variables, as predictors for the probability of distress group membership. The odds of elevated distress over time were significantly reduced in people with higher mastery (OR = 0.13; 95% 0.11-0.15) and doing at least 150 min/week of physical activity (OR = 0.81; 95% 0.68-0.96). There was no significant interaction between mastery and physical activity. Mastery and physical activity may be important resources to mitigate distress and further research is needed to evaluate interventions promoting these resources and the impact on mid-aged adults experiencing psychological distress.

Mediation effect of coping strategies on general psychological health among middle-aged and older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we aim to assess general psychological health, associated factors, and the potential of coping strategies as a mediator for middle-aged and older Malaysian adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

A total of 535 individuals aged 52 years and above from the previous cohort and interventional studies in Peninsular Malaysia were contacted during the Movement Control Order (MCO) issued during the COVID-19 pandemic. Telephonic interviews were conducted to obtain participant information concerning socio-demography, physical activity, subjective well-being (SWB) as assessed using flourishing scale, coping strategies, and general psychological health (GHQ-12). Simple linear regression (SLR) and multiple linear regression (MLR) analyses were performed to identify the factors associated with GHQ-12. The associated factors were further analysed using mediation analysis to determine the potential of coping strategies as a mediator.

RESULTS

It was observed that participants had a low mean GHQ-12 score (M = 0.80, SD = 2.19), indicating good psychological health. Living arrangement, physical activity, and flourishing scale were associated with psychological health (R² = 0.412, p < 0.05) in MLR. Positive reinterpretation, emotional support, instrumental support, humour, denial, and self-blame appear to partially mediate the relationship between socio-demography, physical activity, flourishing scale and GHQ-12, with lower coefficient values.

CONCLUSION

Middle-aged and older adults in Malaysia had good psychological health during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially when living with family, physically active, and having good subjective well-being. These findings provide the initial evidence to help promote the ageing population's general well-being and mental health and enable them to cope with change during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mindfulness is associated with reduced barriers to exercise via decreasing psychological distress in help-seeking young adults: A cross-sectional brief report

AIM

Mental illness is common among young people. Exercise has benefits for mental health; however, young people experience a range of barriers to engaging in physical activity, one of which is psychological distress. Mindfulness is a modifiable factor that can reduce distress and may, in turn, reduce perceived barriers to physical activity. The aim of this work was to explore associations between dispositional mindfulness, psychological distress and barriers to engaging in physical activity.

METHODS

We used cross-sectional survey data from young adults aged 15-25 years who attended youth mental health services (headspace centres). Demographic, mindfulness, exercise barriers and wellbeing data were collected.

RESULTS

Mediation analysis showed that greater dispositional mindfulness reduced perceived barriers to exercise via reductions in psychological distress among 88 help-seeking young Australians.

CONCLUSION

Interventions to increase dispositional mindfulness may be helpful in reducing psychological distress and lessening barriers to exercise engagement, therefore promoting mental health among young people experiencing mental health symptoms.

Malestar psicológico y actividad física en adultos de Puerto Vallarta, México

El malestar psicológico son manifestaciones cognitivas, emocionales y conductuales de tránsito breve y rápida evolución. Objetivo: analizar la prevalencia de malestar psicológico en adultos de Puerto Vallarta, México, y la actividad física como factor moderador del malestar. Método: estudio transversal con 678 casos. Se utilizó la escala de malestar psicológico K-10 de Kessler y las recomendaciones de actividad física de la OMS para este grupo poblacional. Se realizaron análisis estadísticos de caracterización de la muestra, frecuencias en la prevalencia y niveles de malestar psicológico y de actividad física, así como, se analizaron las posibles relaciones entre malestar psicológico y actividad física. Resultados: 46.1% de la población presenta un nivel alto o muy alto de malestar psicológico y 64.8% se ubicó como activa o muy activa físicamente, no se encontró correlación entre el malestar psicológico y actividad física. Conclusiones: La actividad física puede actuar como un factor moderador del malestar psicológico, en el caso de este estudio no. 

Psychological Distress Among Asian Indians and Non-Hispanic Whites in the United States

Introduction

The prevalence of psychological distress (PD) among Asian Indians is unknown. This study estimated and compared moderate-serious PD in Asian Indians and non-Hispanic Whites (NHWs) in the United States.

Methods

We used a cross-sectional design using the National Health Interview Survey (2012-2017). Adult (age >18 years) NHWs and Asian Indians (N=2,218) were included. PD was measured using the six-item Kessler (K6) scale. We used multivariable logistic regression to determine the association of Asian Indian ethnicity with PD.

Results

In the analysis, 19.9% of NHWs and 11.0% of Asian Indians reported moderate-serious PD. Asian Indians were less likely to report PD in both unadjusted (unadjusted odds ratio=0.50; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.42-0.58) and fully adjusted (adjusted odds ratio=0.7; 95% CI 0.59-0.82) models.

Conclusions

Asian Indians had a lower prevalence of PD than NHWs, likely due to multiple protective factors such as high socioeconomic status and lower multimorbidity.

Time for Physical Activity: Different, Unequal, Gendered

We investigate time inequity as an explanatory mechanism for gendered physical activity disparity. Our mixed-effect generalized linear model with two-stage residual inclusion framework uses longitudinal data, capturing differing exchanges and trade-offs in time resources. The first stage estimates within-household exchanges of paid and family work hours. Estimates show that men's employment increases women's family work hours while reducing their own, whereas women's employment weakly affects men's family time. Incorporating unequal household exchange into the second stage reveals that as women's paid or family work hours increase, physical activity goes down. In contrast, men's physical activity is unaffected by paid work hours, and family time appears protective. Control over work time further underscores gendered time exchange: Men's activity increases with own or partner's control, whereas women's increases only with their own. Our approach reveals how men's and women's unequal capability to use time creates differing trade-offs between work, family, and physical activity, generating health inequity.

Staying Physically Active Is Associated with Better Mental Health and Sleep Health Outcomes during the Initial Period of COVID-19 Induced Nation-Wide Lockdown in Jordan

Jordan, a Middle Eastern country, initially responded to an outbreak of COVID-19 cases within its own borders by imposing a 7-week strict lockdown and closure of international and domestic travel. Such measures drastically influenced lifestyle behaviors of the population. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of physical activity, and its association with mental and sleep health outcomes among Jordanians during a period of COVID-19 induced lockdown. Validated questionnaires were administered using a web-based platform to evaluate moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), anxiety and depressive symptoms, sleep health, and sociodemographic characteristics. A modified Poisson regression model with robust error variance was used to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Compared to participants who met the guidelines, those who did not had significantly higher prevalence of moderate or severe anxiety symptoms than that of minimal or mild anxiety symptoms and increased depressive symptoms. Insufficient MVPA was associated with higher prevalence of poor sleep quality, short sleep duration (<7 h) and sleep problems. Overall, sufficient MVPA was associated with better mental and sleep health during the COVID-19 induced nation-wide lockdown in Jordan. While further research is necessary, promoting physical activity during the lockdown could potentially improve mental and sleep health outcomes among the population.

Moderating Effects of Physical Activity on the Relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Health-Related Quality of Life

The effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and their associations with physical activities (PA) are well-documented. However, the specific effects of different types of ACEs (e.g., child abuse and household dysfunction) on HRQOL and the role of PA are inconclusive. The purpose of this study is to find the buffering role of PA as a moderator that may reduce the negative impact of ACEs in general and the specific effects of different types of ACEs on HRQOL, perceived physical health, and mental health over time. The 2019 Behavioral Risk Fact Surveillance System (BRFSS), a state-based surveillance system supported by the CDC in the U.S., was used for this study. A total of 127,370 respondents from 17 states were selected for this study. First, descriptive statistics were generated and correlation analyses were conducted to find the association among variables and examine the possible predictors of HRQOL. Moderation models were then tested using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). HRQOL in adults is negatively associated with ACEs, but is positively associated with PA. We found buffering effects of physical activity in the following relationships: (1) child abuse and HRQOL, (2) child abuse and perceived physical health, (3) ACEs and perceived mental health, (4) child abuse and perceived mental health, and (5) household dysfunction and perceived mental health. Our findings suggest that improvement of PA level is a significant predictor of improved HRQOL of adults with ACEs.

Prospective Associations of Leisure-Time Physical Activity With Psychological Distress and Well-Being: A 12-Year Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the associations of leisure-time physical activity with psychological distress and well-being, and potential mediators.

METHODS

We used data from the 1970 British Cohort Study (n = 5197; 2688 men), including waves 34y (2004), 42y (2012), and 46y (2016). Participants reported leisure-time physical activity frequency and intensity (exposure) at age 34 years (baseline); cognition (vocabulary test), body mass index, disability, mobility and pain perception (potential mediators) at age 42 years; and psychological distress (Malaise Inventory) and well-being (Warwick-Edinburgh scale) at age 46 years. Baseline confounders included sex, country, education, employment status, alcohol use, tobacco smoking, and psychological distress. Main analyses included logistic regression and mediation models.

RESULTS

Higher leisure-time physical activity intensity at baseline was associated with lower psychological distress at 46y (β = -0.038 [95% confidence interval {CI} =-0.069 to -0.007]), but not leisure-time physical activity frequency. Baseline leisure-time physical activity frequency and intensity were associated with higher psychological well-being at 46y (frequency: β = 0.089 [95% CI = 0.002 to 0.176]; intensity: β = 0.262 [95% CI = 0.123 to 0.401]); and total: β = 0.041 [95% CI = 0.013 to 0.069]). Only body mass index at 42y partially mediated the association between leisure-time physical activity frequency (15.7%) and total leisure-time physical activity (6.2%) at 34y, with psychological well-being at 46y.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlight the role of leisure-time physical activity in psychological distress and well-being, with greater effect sizes associated with higher frequency and intensity of leisure-time physical activity. Future interventions should consider examining potential mediators of the association of leisure-time physical activity with psychological well-being, such as body mass index.

The role of psychological distress in the relationship between lifestyle and compulsivity: An analysis of independent, bi-national samples

BACKGROUND

Poor mental health is a state of psychological distress that is influenced by lifestyle factors such as sleep, diet, and physical activity. Compulsivity is a transdiagnostic phenotype cutting across a range of mental illnesses including obsessive-compulsive disorder, substance-related and addictive disorders, and is also influenced by lifestyle. Yet, how lifestyle relates to compulsivity is presently unknown, but important to understand to gain insights into individual differences in mental health. We assessed (a) the relationships between compulsivity and diet quality, sleep quality, and physical activity, and (b) whether psychological distress statistically contributes to these relationships.

METHODS

We collected harmonized data on compulsivity, psychological distress, and lifestyle from two independent samples (Australian n = 880 and US n = 829). We used mediation analyses to investigate bidirectional relationships between compulsivity and lifestyle factors, and the role of psychological distress.

RESULTS

Higher compulsivity was significantly related to poorer diet and sleep. Psychological distress statistically mediated the relationship between poorer sleep quality and higher compulsivity, and partially statistically mediated the relationship between poorer diet and higher compulsivity.

CONCLUSIONS

Lifestyle interventions in compulsivity may target psychological distress in the first instance, followed by sleep and diet quality. As psychological distress links aspects of lifestyle and compulsivity, focusing on mitigating and managing distress may offer a useful therapeutic approach to improve physical and mental health. Future research may focus on the specific sleep and diet patterns which may alter compulsivity over time to inform lifestyle targets for prevention and treatment of functionally impairing compulsive behaviors.

Refugee status is associated with double the odds of psychological distress in mid-to-late life: Findings from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging

Psychological distress is associated with a range of negative outcomes including lower quality of life and an increased risk of premature all-cause mortality. The prevalence of, and factors associated with, psychological distress among middle-aged and older Canadians are understudied. Using the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) baseline data, this study examined factors associated with psychological distress among adults between 45 and 85 years, including refugee status and a wide range of sociodemographic, health-related and social support characteristics. Psychological distress was measured by Kessler's Psychological Distress Scale-K10 scores. Bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were conducted. The prevalence of psychological distress was significantly higher among the 244 refugees (23.8%), compared to 23,149 Canadian-born Canadians (12.8%) and 4,765 non-refugee immigrants (12.6%), despite the fact that the average time the refugees had lived in Canada was more than four decades. The results of the binary logistic regression analysis indicated refugees had twice the age-sex adjusted odds of psychological distress (OR = 2.31, 95% CI: 1.74, 3.07). Even after further adjustment for 16 potential risk factors, a significant relationship remained between refugee status and psychological distress (OR = 1.56; 95% CI = 1.12, 2.17). Other significant factors associated with psychological distress included younger age, female gender, visible minority status, lower household income, not having an undergraduate degree, multimorbidities, chronic pain, and lack of social support. Policies and interventions addressing psychological distress among Canadians in mid- to later life should target refugees and other vulnerable groups.

Physical Activity and Health Among Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander Older Adults

Objectives: Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander (NHPI) older adults often experience social disadvantages and poor health outcomes. Physical activity has been associated with better health in other racial groups, but limited studies have examined these associations in NHPI older adults. Methods: Using data from the 2014 Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander National Health Interview Survey (n = 1,045), logistic regression models examined associations between physical activity and memory/psychological distress/self-rated health. Results: Sufficient levels of physical activity were associated with lower odds of memory problems, serious psychological distress, and poor/fair self-rated health. Unfortunately, only half of the sample reported sufficient physical activity and approximately 30% reported none. Also, 78% of the sample was estimated to be overweight/obese, and 29% had diabetes. Discussion: Culturally-appropriate interventions are recommended to increase physical activity in this population, which could also help reduce high rates of overweight/obesity and diabetes.

Prospective associations of different contexts of physical activity with psychological distress and well-being among middle-aged adults: An analysis of the 1970 British Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Our aim was to investigate whether different types and social contexts of physical activity (PA) participation are prospectively associated with psychological distress and well-being among middle-aged adults.

METHODS

Data from the 1970 British Cohort Study was used (N = 5144-2733 women). At age 42y, participants reported their type of leisure-time PA, which was classified as individual PA or group PA (exposure). At age 46y, participants reported co-primary outcomes: psychological distress (Malaise Inventory) and well-being (Warwick-Edinburgh scale). Highest academic achievement, employment status, country of interview, baseline values of psychological distress and well-being, smoking, alcohol use, TV-viewing and total physical activity at 42y were used as covariates. Main analyses included linear regression stratifying by sex.

RESULTS

Jogging, cross-country, road-running (both sexes) as well as team sports (men) were associated with higher well-being. Health, fitness, gym or conditioning activities and jogging, cross-country (women), road-running (women) and team sports (men) were associated with lower psychological distress. Participation in both individual and group PA were associated with lower psychological distress and higher well-being for both sexes in crude models. However, adjusted models revealed that only group PA was associated with lower psychological distress (B: -0.106; 95%CI: -0.188 to -0.025) and higher well-being (0.835; 0.050 to 1.619) among men but not women. In the sensitivity analysis, group PA was associated with higher well-being (0.855; 0.094 to 1.616) when compared with individual PA among men. Group PA was not associated with psychological distress among both sexes and well-being among women when compared with individual PA.

CONCLUSION

Group PA was prospectively associated with lower psychological distress and higher well-being among men but not females. Future PA interventions could focus on group activities for males. Further research to understand the relationship between individual/group PA and mental health is required in females.

Changes in Lifestyle and Dietary Habits during COVID-19 Lockdown in Italy: Results of an Online Survey

COVID-19 is an unprecedented global pandemic. On 12 March 2020, a lockdown order was issued in Italy in attempt to contain the health crisis. The study aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on diet, physical activity, sleep quality, and distress in an Italian cohort. An online anonymous interview, which included validated questionnaires was created to compare lifestyle habits pre- and during the lockdown. Data analysis from 604 subjects with a mean age of 29.8 years was carried out using multivariate analysis. Compared to pre-COVID-19 times, 67% of people changed their eating habits and increased consumption of foods containing added sugars. Women and men with low adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) were more likely to be physically inactive (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.01, respectively). Results from logistic regression showed a three times higher risk of being inactive if adherence to the MedDiet was low (p < 0.0001), especially in men between 26 and 35 years. Lower levels of distress were reported in males who were physically active (89%) (p < 0.001). Our findings may help to identify effective lifestyle interventions during restrictive conditions.

Associations between family social circumstances and psychological distress among the university students of Bangladesh: To what extent do the lifestyle factors mediate?

BACKGROUND

While there is a growing body of empirical studies focusing on the social and behavioral predictors of psychological health, the mechanisms that may underlie the reported associations have not been adequately explored. This study aimed to examine the association of social and lifestyle factors with psychological distress, and the potential mediating role of the lifestyle factors in the estimated associations between social circumstances and psychological distress.

METHODS

A total of 742 tertiary level students (53% females) from a range of socio-economic backgrounds and multiple educational institutions participated in this cross-sectional study. The 12-items General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) was utilized for measuring psychological distress. Data related to students' socio-demographic characteristics, family social circumstances, and lifestyle factors were also collected. Modified Poisson regression analysis was used to estimate the risk ratios (RR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

The multivariable regression analysis suggests heightened risks of psychological distress associated with low parental Socio-Economic Position (SEP) (RR: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.76), childhood poverty (RR: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.11, 1.55), and living away from the family (RR: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.54). Among the lifestyle factors, past smoking, physical inactivity, inadequate fruit intake, and poor sleep quality were strongly associated with psychological distress and these associations persisted when the family social circumstances and lifestyle factors were mutually adjusted for. The lifestyle factors did not considerably mediate the estimated associations between family social circumstances and psychological distress.

CONCLUSION

The social and lifestyle factors operated independently to increase students' risk of psychological distress. Accordingly, while promoting students' healthy lifestyles may reduce the overall burden of psychological distress, any equity initiative aiming to minimize the social inequalities in psychological health should be targeted to improving the living conditions in early life.

Weight Gain After Smoking Cessation and Risk of Major Chronic Diseases and Mortality

IMPORTANCE

Smoking cessation is frequently followed by weight gain; however, whether weight gain after quitting reduces the health benefits of quitting is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association between weight change after smoking cessation and the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), type 2 diabetes, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and all-cause mortality.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This cohort study analyzed data from a nationally representative sample of Australian adults aged 18 years or older who were studied between 2006 and 2014. Smoking status and anthropometric measurements were self-reported annually. Cox proportional hazards regressions were used to determine the hazard ratios (HRs) for the association between changes in weight and body mass index (BMI) and the risk of CVD, type 2 diabetes, cancer, COPD, and mortality. Data were analyzed in January 2019.

EXPOSURES

Annual self-reported smoking status; years since quitting.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Weight gain after quitting, incident CVD, type 2 diabetes, cancer, COPD, and all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

Of a total 16 663 participants (8082 men and 8581 women; mean [SD] age, 43.7 [16.3] years), those who quit smoking had greater increases in weight (mean difference [MD], 3.14 kg; 95% CI, 1.39-4.87) and BMI (MD, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.21-1.44) than continuing smokers. Compared with continuing smokers, the HRs for death were 0.50 (95% CI, 0.36-0.68) among quitters who lost weight, 0.79 (95% CI, 0.51-0.98) among quitters without weight change, 0.33 (95% CI, 0.21-0.51) among quitters who gained 0.1 to 5.0 kg, 0.24 (95% CI, 0.11-0.53) among quitters who gained 5.1 to 10 kg, and 0.36 (95% CI, 0.16-0.82) among quitters who gained more than 10 kg. The HRs for death were 0.61 (95% CI, 0.45-0.83) among quitters who lost BMI, 0.86 (95% CI, 0.51-1.44) among quitters without change in BMI, 0.32 (95% CI, 0.21-0.50) among quitters who gained up to 2 in BMI, and 0.26 (95% CI, 0.16-0.45) among quitters who gained more than 2 in BMI.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

This cohort study found that smoking cessation was accompanied by a substantial weight gain; however, this was not associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases or an attenuation of the mortality benefit of cessation.

Child welfare workers and peritraumatic distress: The impact of COVID-19

Whilst there is broad consensus that COVID-19 has had a pernicious impact on child welfare services, in general, and child welfare workers, specifically, this notion has not been thoroughly examined in the literature. This exploratory study examined COVID-19 related peritraumatic distress among child welfare workers (N = 1996) in one southeastern state in the United States (U.S.). Findings suggest that the study sample was experiencing distress levels above normal ranges; 46.4% of participants were experiencing mild or severe distress. Sexual orientation, self-reported physical and mental health, relationship status, supervision status, and financial stability impacted distress levels experienced by child welfare workers. Overall, data suggest that COVID-19 is impacting child welfare workers and there is a need to conceptualize, implement, and evaluate initiatives aimed at assuaging distress among child welfare workers.

Child welfare workers and peritraumatic distress: The impact of COVID-19

Whilst there is broad consensus that COVID-19 has had a pernicious impact on child welfare services, in general, and child welfare workers, specifically, this notion has not been thoroughly examined in the literature. This exploratory study examined COVID-19 related peritraumatic distress among child welfare workers (N = 1996) in one southeastern state in the United States (U.S.). Findings suggest that the study sample was experiencing distress levels above normal ranges; 46.4% of participants were experiencing mild or severe distress. Sexual orientation, self-reported physical and mental health, relationship status, supervision status, and financial stability impacted distress levels experienced by child welfare workers. Overall, data suggest that COVID-19 is impacting child welfare workers and there is a need to conceptualize, implement, and evaluate initiatives aimed at assuaging distress among child welfare workers.

The mediating effect of psychological distress on cognitive function and physical frailty among the elderly: Evidence from rural Shandong, China

BACKGROUND

Few studies have explored the underlying mechanism between physical frailty and cognitive function. The aim of this study is to explore the mediating role of psychological distress (PD) for the association between cognitive function and physical frailty among the elderly in rural China.

METHODS

A total of 3,242 rural older adults were included in the analysis. Logistic regression and Bootstrap analyses were employed to explore the association between cognitive function, PD and frailty, and the mediating role of PD.

RESULTS

This study found that the prevalence of frailty and cognitive impairment among the elderly in rural China was 18.0%, 22.4%. After adjusted for controlling variables, cognitive function was significantly associated with high level of PD, and elderly with higher level of PD had a higher probability of suffering from frailty. PD played a partially mediating effect in cognitive function and frailty and the mediating effect of PD can explain the 11.0% of the total effect of cognitive function on frailty.

LIMITATIONS

The data were cross-sectional, thus the causal relationship between variables could not be determined. The main variables in this study were measured by self-report information, which might result in recall bias.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provide evidence that the effect of cognitive function on physical frailty was partially mediated by PD among the elderly in rural China. Primary health care should strengthen the screening of PD characterized by depression and anxiety, and strive to improve the physical and psychological well-being of rural elderly in China.

Impact of a novel home-based exercise intervention on health indicators in inactive premenopausal women: a 12-week randomised controlled trial

PURPOSE

This study tested the hypothesis that a novel, audio-visual-directed, home-based exercise training intervention would be effective at improving cardiometabolic health and mental well-being in inactive premenopausal women.

METHODS

Twenty-four inactive premenopausal women (39 ± 10 years) were randomly assigned to an audio-visual-directed exercise training group (DVD; n = 12) or control group (CON; n = 12). During the 12-week intervention period, the DVD group performed thrice-weekly training sessions of 15 min. Training sessions comprised varying-intensity movements involving multiplanar whole-body accelerations and decelerations (average heart rate (HR) = 76 ± 3% HR_max). CON continued their habitual lifestyle with no physical exercise. A series of health markers were assessed prior to and following the intervention.

RESULTS

Following the DVD intervention, HDL cholesterol (pre: 1.83 ± 0.45, post: 1.94 ± 0.46 mmol/L) and mental well-being, assessed via the Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale, improved (P < 0.05). Conversely, [LDL cholesterol], [triglycerides], fasting [glucose], body composition and resting blood pressure and HR were unchanged following the DVD intervention (P > 0.05). There were no pre-post intervention changes in any of the outcome variables in the CON group (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The present study suggests that a novel, audio-visual-directed exercise training intervention, consisting of varied-intensity movements interspersed with spinal and lower limb mobility and balance tasks, can improve [HDL cholesterol] and mental well-being in premenopausal women. Therefore, home-based, audio-visual-directed exercise training (45 min/week) appears to be a useful tool to initiate physical activity and improve aspects of health in previously inactive premenopausal women.

Association of Psychosocial Factors With Risk of Chronic Diseases: A Nationwide Longitudinal Study

INTRODUCTION

This study examines the prospective association between a range of psychosocial factors and common noncommunicable diseases.

METHODS

In October 2018, nationally representative data were analyzed from 11,637 adults followed annually between 2003 and 2013. Participants reported on psychosocial factors they experienced in the 12 months preceding each wave. The onset of noncommunicable diseases was defined based on self-reported physician's diagnosis. Generalized estimating equations estimated the ORs and 95% CIs of psychosocial factors on noncommunicable diseases, controlling for other confounders.

RESULTS

Social support index was inversely associated with the onset of anxiety or depression in men (OR=0.95, 95% CI=0.93, 0.98) and women (OR=0.96, 95% CI=0.95, 0.98) and with emphysema in women (OR=0.96, 95% CI=0.93, 0.99). Psychological distress was positively associated with the onset of heart diseases (OR=2.38, 95% CI=1.16, 4.89 for men; OR=2.30, 95% CI=1.10, 4.78 for women), emphysema (OR=1.11, 95% CI=1.03, 1.20 for men; OR=1.08, 95% CI=1.04, 1.12 for women), and circulatory diseases (OR=1.04, 95% CI=1.02, 1.08 for women). Financial stress increased the onset of anxiety or depression (OR=1.36, 95% CI=1.26, 1.63 for men; OR=1.30, 95% CI=1.10, 1.52 for women) and type 2 diabetes in women (OR=1.60, 95% CI=1.18, 2.18). Significant associations of parenting stress and the likelihood of the onset of anxiety or depression were only evident in women.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that several adverse psychosocial risk factors are independently associated with the onset of noncommunicable diseases.

A bi-directional association between weight change and health-related quality of life: evidence from the 11-year follow-up of 9916 community-dwelling adults

PURPOSE

To examine the prospective associations between body mass index (BMI) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

METHODS

Data were extracted from a longitudinal, nationally representative sample of 9916 men and women aged 18 years and over who were followed annually between 2006 and 2016 in the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey. HRQoL was assessed using the self-administered SF-36 questionnaire annually between 2006 (baseline) and 2016. BMI was calculated from self-reported height and weight and was classified into the following four categories of baseline BMI: underweight (< 18.5 kg/m²), normal weight (18.5-24.9 kg/m²), overweight (25-29.9 kg/m²) and obese (≥ 30 kg/m²). We used linear mixed-effects regression models to investigate the associations between change in BMI (kg/m²) and concurrent changes in HRQoL scores over 11 years.

RESULTS

BMI gain was associated with deterioration of Physical Component Summary (PCS) (P < 0.001), but not with change in Mental component summary (MCS) over the 11-year period. BMI gain was inversely associated (P < 0.001) with five of the eight HRQoL domains (physical functioning, role physical, bodily pain, general health and vitality) with a significant graded association according to baseline BMI category. Over the 11-year study period, every unit increase in PCS was associated with a decrease of 0.02 (P < 0.001), 0.03 (P < 0.001) and 0.04 (P < 0.001) BMI units per year among participants who were normal, overweight and obese at baseline, respectively. Five of the eight domains of HRQoL (physical functioning, role physical, bodily pain, general health and vitality) were inversely associated with BMI (P < 0.001) with a significant graded association according to baseline BMI category.

CONCLUSIONS

Weight gain was not only associated with deterioration of HRQoL, and vice versa. The bi-directional association was stronger for physical than mental domains of HRQoL.

Physical activity and depression symptoms in women with chronic illness and the mediating role of health-related quality of life

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of physical activity on depression symptom severity in women 45 years and older with a chronic illness diagnosis, and explore relations between physical activity and psychological and health-related characteristics predicting depression symptoms.

METHODS

1932 women diagnosed with one of five chronic illnesses: asthma, depression, diabetes, osteoarthritis, or osteoporosis participated in a sub-study of the 45 and Up Study-a cross-sectional study of people aged 45 years and older. The survey included items measuring demographics, depression symptoms, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), health-related hardiness, sleep quality, and health behaviours, such as physical activity.

RESULTS

A multiple regression model explained 43% of the variance in depression symptoms (R² = 0.43, F (18) = 61.72, p < .001); intensity of physical activity was a significant predictor of depression symptoms (p < .001), and HRQoL was found to explain the most variance (B = -10.00) in depression symptoms. Mediation analysis confirmed that HRQoL partially mediated the relation between physical activity and depression symptoms; however, the effect was very small.

LIMITATIONS

Cross-sectional data and self-report measures limit the implications of the findings.

CONCLUSION

Women with chronic illness engaging in more vigorous physical activity had less severe depression symptoms. Findings suggest that improving HRQoL is critical to the prevention and management of depression symptoms in women with chronic illness. Psychological and health-related factors that influence HRQoL, such as sleep quality and health-related hardiness, are important clinical considerations for health practitioners.

Domain-specific and total sedentary behaviors associated with psychological distress in older adults

Purpose: Time spent in sedentary behaviors has become a major public health problem, affecting both physical and mental conditions, which is regularly evident in older adults. The aim of this study was to explore the association between each domain-specific sedentary behavior (screen-time, leisure-time sedentary behavior and transport) and total sedentary behavior (sum of all indicators) with "high" psychological distress among older individuals. Patients and methods: In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 810 participants aged ≥85 (16% men) from 6 neighborhoods in the city of Zagreb. We used Measure of Older Adults' Sedentary Time sedentary behavior questionnaire to assess the time spent in a specific domain of sedentary behavior and Kessler K6 scale to assess the level of psychological distress. Participants who had a score ≥13 points were treated as those with "high" psychological distress. Generalized estimating equations with Poisson regression models and risk ratios were used to calculate the association. Results: After adjusting for sex, body mass index, sleep quality, self-rated health, material status, physical activity, diet and chronic diseases, participants categorized in the second, third and fourth quartile of screen-time, in the fourth quartile of leisure-time sedentary behavior and in the third and fourth quartile of total sedentary behavior were less likely to have "high" psychological distress. However, participants categorized in the fourth quartile of transport were more likely to have "high" psychological distress. Conclusion: Our study shows that more time spent in front of screens, leisure and in total sedentary behavior is associated with lower levels, while more time spent in transport is associated with higher levels of psychological distress, pointing out that the aforementioned associations remained even after adjusting for variables describing "general" physical health. Thus, strategies aiming to reduce the time spent in passive transport and enhance active transport in a sample of older adults are warranted.

Leisure time physical activity and incident use of prescription tranquilizers: A longitudinal population-based study

OBJECTIVE

Physical inactivity is a major public health problem associated with an increased risk of several psychiatric and physical conditions. This study investigated the association between leisure time physical activity (PA) and incident use of prescription tranquilizers in a regionally representative and prospective cohort.

METHODS

A total of 4043 men and women (mean age: 61.3 years; 57% women) from the Tromsø Study were followed for six years. Leisure time PA was captured at baseline. Psychiatric morbidity was measured by use of prescription tranquilizers, captured at both baseline and follow-up. Leisure time PA at baseline was used as a predictor of subsequent (incident) use of prescription tranquilizers. We used multinomial regression models and Poisson regression models to estimate relative risk-ratios (RRRs), and relative risks (RRs), respectively, and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

In the fully-adjusted model, accounting for socio-demographic factors, parental history of psychopathology, years of education, smoking, respondent's psychopathology at baseline, and occupational PA, a lower leisure time PA conferred a 41% increased risk of incident use of prescription tranquilizers at follow-up (RR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.09, 1.83; p = 0.010).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that physical inactivity increases the risk of psychiatric morbidity (albeit, measured via use of prescription tranquilizers). Future regionally representative and longitudinal research is required to confirm/refute our findings and explore underlying mechanisms.

Leisure time physical activity and future psychological distress: A thirteen year longitudinal population-based study

A number of cross-sectional studies have suggested that physical activity (PA) is negatively associated with psychological distress in adulthood. A paucity of regionally representative and longitudinal studies has considered this relationship. This study investigated the association between leisure time light and moderate-vigorous PA (MVPA) and psychological distress over 13 years in a regionally representative sample. A total of 4754 men (mean age: 47.2 years) and 5571 women from (mean age: 46.9 years) the Tromsø Study were followed for 13 years. Light PA and MVPA was captured at baseline and psychological distress was captured using the Hopkins Symptom Check List-10 scale. Ordinary least square and Poisson regression models were used, adjusting for multiple confounders to investigate the relationship between light PA/MVPA and psychological distress. In the fully-adjusted model, accounting sociodemographics, history of parental psychopathology, socioeconomic status, marital status, smoking, social support and risk factors, we found evidence that both light PA (β 0.11, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.19; p < 0.01) and MVPA (β 0.19, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.26; p < 0.001) confered protection against psychological distress at follow-up. Among men, a lower MVPA was associated with 14% (RR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.28) increased risk of clinically significant psychological distress; while among women, the risk was 15% (RR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.26; p < 0.001). In this regionally representative cohort, our study suggests that both higher levels of light PA and MVPA confer protection against future psychological distress. However, a key limitation of this study is that psychological distress at baseline was not controlled-for.

Are lower levels of physical activity and self-rated fitness associated with higher levels of psychological distress in Croatian young adults? A cross-sectional study

Background

Although previous evidence has shown that physical activity and physical fitness lower the level of psychological distress, little is known of simultaneous associations between of physical activity and physical fitness and with psychological distress, especially in young adults. Therefore, the main purpose of the present study was to explore both separate and simultaneous association between physical activity and physical fitness with psychological distress.

Methods

Participants in this cross-sectional study were 2,100 university students (1,041 men and 1,059 women) chosen from eight faculties in the city of Zagreb. Physical activity, physical fitness and psychological distress were assessed using structured questionnaires. The associations were examined using logistic regression analysis.

Results

After adjusting for gender, body-mass index, self-rated health, material status, binge drinking, chronic disease/s and sleep quality, “insufficient” physical activity (OR = 2.60; 95% CI [1.92–3.52]) and “lower” levels of physical fitness (tertile 2; OR = 1.94; 95% CI [1.25–3.01] and tertile 1; OR = 2.59; 95% CI [1.65–4.08]) remained associated with “high” psychological distress. When physical activity and physical fitness were entered simultaneously into the model, “insufficient” physical activity (OR = 2.35; 95% CI [1.72–3.21]) and “lower” levels of physical fitness (tertile 2; OR = 1.77; 95% CI [1.24–2.77] and tertile 1; OR = 2.00; 95% CI [1.26–3.20]) remained associated with “high” psychological distress.

Conclusion

Our study shows that both “insufficient” physical activity and “lower” levels of physical fitness are associated with “high” psychological distress, even after adjusting for numerous covariates. Therefore, special policies aiming to increase the levels of physical activity and fitness are warranted.

Self-reported domain-specific and accelerometer-based physical activity and sedentary behaviour in relation to psychological distress among an urban Asian population

Background

The interpretation of previous studies on the association of physical activity and sedentary behaviour with psychological health is limited by the use of mostly self-reported physical activity and sedentary behaviour, and a focus on Western populations. We aimed to explore the association of self-reported and devise-based measures of physical activity and sedentary behaviour domains on psychological distress in an urban multi-ethnic Asian population.

Methods

From a population-based cross-sectional study of adults aged 18–79 years, data were used from an overall sample (n = 2653) with complete self-reported total physical activity/sedentary behaviour and domain-specific physical activity data, and a subsample (n = 703) with self-reported domain-specific sedentary behaviour and accelerometry data. Physical activity and sedentary behaviour data were collected using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), a domain-specific sedentary behaviour questionnaire and accelerometers. The Kessler Screening Scale (K6) and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) were used to assess psychological distress. Logistic regression models were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals, adjusted for socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics.

Results

The sample comprised 45.0% men (median age = 45.0 years). The prevalence of psychological distress based on the K6 and GHQ-12 was 8.4% and 21.7%, respectively. In the adjusted model, higher levels of self-reported moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were associated with significantly higher odds for K6 (OR = 1.47 [1.03–2.10]; p-trend = 0.03) but not GHQ-12 (OR = 0.97 [0.77–1.23]; p-trend = 0.79), when comparing the highest with the lowest tertile. Accelerometry-assessed MVPA was not significantly associated with K6 (p-trend = 0.50) nor GHQ-12 (p-trend = 0.74). The highest tertile of leisure-time physical activity, but not work- or transport-domain activity, was associated with less psychological distress using K6 (OR = 0.65 [0.43–0.97]; p-trend = 0.02) and GHQ-12 (OR = 0.72 [0.55–0.93]; p-trend = 0.01). Self-reported sedentary behaviour was not associated with K6 (p-trend = 0.90) and GHQ-12 (p-trend = 0.33). The highest tertile of accelerometry-assessed sedentary behaviour was associated with significantly higher odds for K6 (OR = 1.93 [1.00–3.75]; p-trend = 0.04), but not GHQ-12 (OR = 1.34 [0.86–2.08]; p-trend = 0.18).

Conclusions

Higher levels of leisure-time physical activity and lower levels of accelerometer-based sedentary behaviour were associated with lower psychological distress. This study underscores the importance of assessing accelerometer-based and domain-specific activity in relation to mental health, instead of solely focusing on total volume of activity.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12966-018-0669-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The Associations among Psychological Distress, Coping Style, and Health Habits in Japanese Nursing Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Nursing students in many countries have been reported to experience high levels of stress and psychological distress. Health habits could potentially mediate the association between coping styles and psychological status. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mediation effect of health habits in the relationship between stress coping styles and psychological distress in Japanese nursing students. Methods: A total of 181 nursing students completed anonymous self-reported questionnaires comprised of the General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12), the Brief Coping Orientation questionnaire, and an additional questionnaire on health behavior. A mediation analysis using path analysis with bootstrapping was used for data analysis. Results: Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that psychological distress was significantly and positively associated with “Avoidance coping” (β = 0.39, p < 0.001), and was negatively associated with “Active coping” (β = −0.30, p < 0.001), “exercise habit” (β = −0.25, p = 0.001), and “sleeping” (β = −0.24, p = 0.002). In the path model, “Active coping” and “Avoidance coping” had significant or marginally significant associations with “exercise habits” (active: β = 0.19, p = 0.008, avoidance: β = −0.12, p = 0.088), and psychological distress (active: β = −0.25, p < 0.001, avoidance: β = 0.363, p < 0.001). However, these coping style variables did not have a significant association with “sleep”. In general, the size of the correlations was below 0.4. Conclusions: Exercise habits mediated the relationship between coping styles and psychological distress to a greater extent than sleep. The present study suggests the possibility that complex interactions between health habits and coping styles may influence the psychological status of nursing students.

Pathways through which higher neighborhood crime is longitudinally associated with greater body mass index

BACKGROUND

Although crime and perceived safety are associated with obesity and body mass index (BMI), the pathways are less clear. Two likely pathways by which crime and perceived safety may impact obesity are through distress and physical activity.

METHODS

We examined data from 2013 to 2014 for 644 predominantly African-American adults (mean age 57 years; 77% female) living in low-income Pittsburgh, PA neighborhoods, including self-reported perceptions of safety and emotional distress, interviewer-measured height/weight, and physical activity measured via accelerometry. We used secondary data on neighborhood crime from 2011 to 2013. We built a structural equation model to examine the longitudinal direct and indirect pathways from crime to BMI through perceived safety, distress and physical activity.

RESULTS

Long-term exposure to crime was positively associated with lack of perceived safety (β = 0.11, p = 0.005) and lack of perceived safety was positively associated with BMI (β = 0.08, p = 0.03). The beneficial association between physical activity and BMI (β = -0.15, p < 0.001) was attenuated by a negative association between crime and physical activity (β = -0.09, p = 0.01). Although crime was associated with distress we found no evidence of a path from crime to BMI via distress.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest decrements in perceived safety and physical activity are important processes that might explain why neighborhood crime is associated with greater BMI.

Long-term dynamics in physical activity behaviour across the transition to parenthood

OBJECTIVES

Gaining a deeper understanding of the dynamic relationships between the transition to parenthood and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) amongst men and women in Australia.

METHODS

12 years of nationally representative panel data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia Survey and a piecewise pre/post fixed-effect modelling strategy that controls for person-specific unobserved effects and allows for non-linear associations are used.

RESULTS

Both men and women decrease the frequency of MVPA in the years preceding the birth of their first child. An abrupt fall amongst men and a smooth, non-linear decreasing trend amongst women are apparent in the post-birth years. Neither men nor women recover their pre-birth MVPA frequency in subsequent years.

CONCLUSIONS

Parenthood is an important factor influencing MVPA, with more marked impacts on women's than men's behaviour. Policymakers interested in promoting MVPA should focus on parenthood as a critical deterring factor that can trigger long-term trends of low MVPA. The proposed model can be expanded to explore the influence on MVPA of other life-course transitions.