Physical Activity, Depression, and Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence Among People Living With HIV: A Mediation Analysis

Abstract

The aim of our study was to explore the relationships between physical activity, depression, and antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. Data were obtained from a randomized controlled trial of people living with HIV (N = 658) in China. Ordinal regression and logistic regression analyses were performed to examine associations between ART adherence, depression, and physical activity. A better ART adherence was associated with higher levels of physical activity (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02-1.80) and lower levels of depression (aOR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.92-0.99). Higher levels of physical activity were also associated with lower levels of depression (aOR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.32-0.76). Sobel Z test indicated the mediating effect of depression between physical activity and ART adherence (Sobel Z = 1.96, p < .05). This study suggests the benefit of appropriate levels of physical activity to promote both psychological health and ART adherence in people living with HIV.