Physical activity and core depressive symptoms in the older Irish adult population.

Morgan, Karen; O'Farrell, Janet; Doyle, Frank; McGee, Hannah

doi:10.25419/rcsi.10770443.v1

Physical activity and core depressive symptoms in the older Irish.pdf (543.84 kB)

Physical activity and core depressive symptoms in the older Irish adult population.

Version 2 2021-12-20, 08:57

Version 1 2019-11-22, 15:28

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posted on 2019-11-22, 15:28 authored by Karen Morgan, Janet O'Farrell, Frank Doyle, Hannah McGee

Research indicates that the prevalence of depression is increasing and that by 2020 depression will become the second leading cause of disease worldwide, as measured by disability adjusted life years. Interventions which involve physical activity have shown that becoming active, even at a moderate level; can be effective in treating depression. In addition, physically active individuals are less likely to develop depressive symptoms than those who are not active, making physical activity an important strategy in the prevention of ill health.

The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between physicalactivity levels and core depressive symptoms in Irish adults aged 50 years or more. The study used data from the Survey of Lifestyle, Attitudes and Nutrition (SLÁN) 2007, a national survey of individuals living in the Republic of Ireland (n=4,255 adults aged 50 years or older) and The Northern Ireland Health and Social Wellbeing Survey (NIHSWS), 2005-2006, a survey of individuals living in Northern Ireland (n=1,904 adults aged 50 years or older).

Measures of depressed mood and anhedonia (two core depressive symptoms according to diagnostic criteria (DSM IV)) were derived using items from the surveys. Physical activity patterns were categorised using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) Short Form (Craig et al. 2003). Demographic factors (age, gender and social class), smoking status and health service use were also considered.

Just over 5% (5.4%) of SLÁN 2007 participants and 11.1% of NIHSWS 2005-2006 participants had experienced both depressed mood and anhedonia in the recent past. In the overall sample this was 7.2% of participants. Overall 45% of participants reported being moderately physically active but 36.6% of participants reported activity at low levels (SLÁN 2007: 35.6%; NIHSWS 2005-2006: 38.8%). For the overall sample, depressive symptoms were negatively associated with being male, being older and high levels of physical activity. Depressive symptoms were significantly and positively associated with being separated/divorced or widowed, and social classes 3-6. Overall, people over 50 years who were engaged in moderate to high levels of physical activity had a 50-56% reduction in the odds of having elevated depressive symptoms.

Consistent with other research findings, this study suggests that physical activity levels are strongly associated with depressive symptoms. Increasing levels of physical activity among adults over 50 years has the potential to improve mental health.

History

Comments

This project involved analysis of two datasets and we acknowledge the datacollectors and providers. Data from the Northern Ireland Health and Social Wellbeing Survey 2005-2006 was collected by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA), Central Survey Unit and sponsored by Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Northern Ireland). The data used in the preparation of this report was obtained from the UK Data Archive. Data from the Survey of Lifestyle, Attitudes and Nutrition 2007 was collected by the SLÁN 2007 consortium and funded by the Department of Health and Children (DoHC). The data used in the preparation of this report was obtained from the Irish Social Science Data Archive. The content and views expressed are those of the authors. We would like to thank Ms Yvonne McGowan and Ms Mary Conry, Research Officers, Department of Psychology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland for their assistance.

Published Citation

Morgan K, O'Farrell J, Doyle F, McGee H. Physical activity and core depressive symptoms in the older Irish adult population. A project funded by the Centre for Ageing Research and Development in Ireland (CARDI). Dublin: Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 2011.