Involvement in physical activity and risk for nearly lethal suicide attempts

Abstract

Although substantial research suggests that involvement in physical activity is associated with mental health benefits, relatively little is known about the association between physical activity and suicidal behavior. This study compared reports of recent physical activity among those surviving a nearly lethal suicide attempt to reports from community controls. Analyses were conducted on data collected between November 1992 and July 1995 for a population-based, case-control study of nearly lethal suicide attempts among people aged 13 to 34 years. Logistic regression analyses were used to test the association between suicide attempts and physical activity, including the intensity, frequency, and duration of activity, while controlling for demographic factors and potential explanatory variables, such as depression, alcoholism, and the presence of a serious medical condition. Suicide attempters were far less likely than controls to report involvement in physical activity in the past month (48% vs 85%, respectively). Intensity, frequency, and duration of activity did not affect this association. The association persisted after adjusting for demographics and potential explanatory variables. Additional research is needed to explain the process through which the association occurs. The strong protective association observed is consistent with other research on the mental health benefits of physical activity and recommendations of involvement in regular physical activity.