Physical Activity and Depression: Nationwide Evaluation of Depression and Physical Activity in South Korea

Abstract

PURPOSE: The relationship between depression and physical activity levels in adults in Korea was determined using data from the National Health and Nutrition Survey (K-NAESE).METHODS: Data collected from K-NAESE between 2014 and 2020, comprising 29,716 (male: 13,416, female: 16,300) participants, were analyzed using a complex sample statistical analysis by applying differential weight to the variables to analyze the relationship between depression and physical activity levels in an estimated South Korean population (50,881,242). Demographic factors were used as control variables while constructing an independent variable-by-variable fit model for the zero-inflated Poison Regression analysis of PHQ-9 depression scores, and a meaningfully interpretable fit model was used in the final model.RESULTS: A significant relationship was observed between the total PHQ-9 score and commute physical activity (OR = 1.042; SE, 0.006; p < .001) and moderate-intensity leisure and physical activity time (OR = 1.116; SE, 0.008; p < .001). A significant association was found between the PHQ-9 scores and physical factors (grip strength; OR = 0.985; SE, 0.001; p < .001). Using Binomial Logistic Model for Depression Classification, a significant association was observed for classification as low/high-risk depression in individuals without moderate-intensity physical activity (OR = 1.190; SE, 0.046; p < .001). Furthermore, individuals with a high grip strength were classified as low/high-risk depression compared to a normal grip strength (OR = 0.980; SE, 0.004; p < .001).CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that a negative association exists between depression and the availability of moderate-intensity leisure and structured physical activity. Furthermore, a negative association was also found between depression and grip strength in the general population of South Korea aged in individuals over the age of 18.