Relationship between Depression and Physical Activity Frequency in Spanish People with Low, Medium, and High Pain Levels
- PMID: 39202046
- PMCID: PMC11355638
- DOI: 10.3390/jpm14080855
Relationship between Depression and Physical Activity Frequency in Spanish People with Low, Medium, and High Pain Levels
Abstract
Depression is a mental disorder that causes great discomfort, is associated with unhealthy lifestyle habits, and affects the quality of life. People with pain show high depressive symptoms and a prevalence of physical inactivity. This study aimed to analyse the associations between depression (self-reported depression, depression status, depressive symptoms, and depression types) and physical activity frequency (PAF) in leisure time in middle-aged and older people with different pain levels (low, medium, and severe) living in Spain. A cross-sectional study based on the European Health Survey data from Spain (2014-2020) was carried out, with a final sample of 13,686 people with pain. Associations between depression-related variables and PAF were studied at the three levels of pain, comparing the prevalence of depression as a function of PAF. Regression models were performed to assess adjusted risk factors for depression (self-reported depression and depression status). It was found that PAF was related to depression at all three pain levels. Inactive people at each pain level had higher depression prevalence (self-reported depression, depression status, depression symptoms, and depressive types). Physical inactivity emerged as a risk factor for depression, both for self-reported depression and for depression status. Thus, increased PAF could help prevent or reduce depression and depressive symptoms in people with pain.
Keywords: depression; exercise; mental health; psychological distress; quality of life.
Conflict of interest statement
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
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