Changes in Leisure-time Physical Activity and Risk of Subsequent Common Mental Disorders

Abstract

PURPOSE: Physical inactivity is a major public health problem associated with an increased risk of mental health problems. The aim of this study was to examine whether changes in leisure-time physical activity are associated with subsequent common mental disorders among middle-aged women and men. METHODS: Baseline questionnaire data were collected in 2000-2002 among 40-60-year-old employees of the City of Helsinki. First follow-up survey was conducted in 2007 and second in 2012. Leisure-time physical activity was asked using identical questions and participants were classified as inactive or active at the baseline and 2007. This yielded a four category variable describing changes and persistency in physical activity between the baseline and 2007. Common mental disorders were examined by the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios. We excluded those with common mental disorders at baseline (n=1160) and in total 4724 respondents (81% women) were available for the present analyses. RESULTS: Over fifty per cent were persistently active and about 15% were persistently inactive. Also about 15% moved from active to inactive as well as from inactive to active. Overall about 12% of the participants had common mental disorders in 2012. Compared with those persistently inactive, those becoming (OR=0.69, 95% CI 0.52-0.92) and those persistently active (OR=0.63, 95% CI 0.50-0.79) had reduced risk of subsequent common mental disorders (2012) when age and gender were adjusted. However, also those decreasing physical activity had similarly reduced risk of common mental disorders (OR=0.64, 95% CI 0.47-0.87). Adjusting for binge drinking, smoking and mental functioning had no effects on these associations, whereas physical functioning somewhat attenuated the associations found which, however, remained significant. CONCLUSIONS: Persistent physical inactivity at middle-age may be harmful for mental health. Promoting leisure-time physical activity among the middle-aged may prove useful for preventing mental health problems.