Association of Physical Activity with Depression Across Different Races in Adults: Insights from NHANES 2015-2018 Data
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Yixuan Liu
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Depression is an affective disorder that brings an economic and emotional burden to individuals and society. This study explored the association between the types of physical activity and the risk of depression, evaluating racial disparities in physical activity levels among adults. Data from the 2015-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were utilized, encompassing 2,111 adults. Key variables considered were demographics, physical activity, and depression, as measured by the Physical Activity Questionnaire and the PHQ-9 depression scoring system. Out of the five physical activity categories, vigorous work, moderate work, and walking and cycling activities showed no significant correlation with depression risk. In contrast, moderate recreational and vigorous recreational activities appeared to offer protective effects against depression. Non-Hispanic black individuals notably benefited from moderate recreational activities (p = 0.021) in lowering their depression risk. For Non-Hispanic whites, engaging in vigorous recreational (p = 0.004) and moderate recreational (p = 0.002) activities were advantageous in depression prevention. Among Mexican Americans and “other racial categories”, the five types of physical activities did not significantly reduce depression risk. The results suggest that engaging in physical activity can reduce the risk of depression. However, the benefits vary among racial groups based on the intensity and type of physical activity. These results can help inform mental health professionals when making recommendations to patients from different racial groups. Future research should look at the reasons behind the differences among the groups.
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Authors
Yixuan Liu
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References:
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