High Sedentary Behaviour and Low Physical Activity are Associated with Anxiety and Depression in Myanmar and Vietnam.

Supa Pengpid,Karl Peltzer

doi:10.3390/ijerph16071251

Abstract

The study aimed to estimate independent and combined associations of sedentary behaviour and physical activity with anxiety and depression among chronic disease patients in Myanmar and Vietnam. The cross-sectional sample included 3201 chronic disease patients (median age 51 years, interquartile range 25) systematically recruited from primary care facilities in 2015. Sedentary time and physical activity were assessed with the General Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). Overall, the prevalence of sedentary time per day was 51.3% < 4 h, 31.2% between 4 and 8 h, and 17.5% 8 or more hours a day), and 30.7% engaged in low physical activity, 50.0% moderate, and 23.6% high physical activity. The prevalence of anxiety and depression was 12.7% and 19.9%, respectively. In the final logistic regression model, adjusted for relevant confounders, higher sedentary time (≥8 h) did not increase the odds for anxiety or depression, but moderate to high physical activity decreased the odds for anxiety and depression. Combined regression analysis found that participants with both less than eight hours of sedentary time and moderate or high physical activity had significantly lower odds of having anxiety and depression. Findings suggest an independent and combined association between moderate or high physical activity and low sedentary time with anxiety and/or depression among chronic disease patients in Myanmar and Vietnam.

Highlights

Anxiety and depression disorders contribute significantly to the “global burden of disease” [1,2].“Anxiety is an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts and physical changes like increased blood pressure
Sample and Procedure In Myanmar and Vietnam, a cross-sectional survey in rural and urban primary health facilities was conducted with out-patients 18 years and older and with chronic diseases
By dividing study participants into four sub-groups based on the levels of sedentary time and physical activity, we found that those reporting less than eight hours of sedentary time and engaging in moderate or high physical activity had significantly lower odds of having anxiety and depression, compared to participants with high sedentary time (≥8 h) and low physical activity, after adjusting for age, sex, education, residence, tobacco use, problem drinking, fruit and vegetable consumption and number of chronic conditions

Summary

Introduction

Anxiety and depression disorders contribute significantly to the “global burden of disease” [1,2]. “Anxiety is an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts and physical changes like increased blood pressure. People with anxiety disorders usually have recurring intrusive thoughts or concerns. They may avoid certain situations out of worry” [3]. “Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease a person’s ability to function at work and at home” [4]

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Methods

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Discussion

Conclusion