Abstract
BackgroundThe aim of this study was to determine the impact of physical activity on depression symptom severity in women 45 years and older with a chronic illness diagnosis, and explore relations between physical activity and psychological and health-related characteristics predicting depression symptoms. Methods1932 women diagnosed with one of five chronic illnesses: asthma, depression, diabetes, osteoarthritis, or osteoporosis participated in a sub-study of the 45 and Up Study—a cross-sectional study of people aged 45 years and older. The survey included items measuring demographics, depression symptoms, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), health-related hardiness, sleep quality, and health behaviours, such as physical activity. ResultsA multiple regression model explained 43% of the variance in depression symptoms (R2 = 0.43, F (18) = 61.72, p < .001); intensity of physical activity was a significant predictor of depression symptoms (p < .001), and HRQoL was found to explain the most variance (B = −10.00) in depression symptoms. Mediation analysis confirmed that HRQoL partially mediated the relation between physical activity and depression symptoms; however, the effect was very small. LimitationsCross-sectional data and self-report measures limit the implications of the findings. ConclusionWomen with chronic illness engaging in more vigorous physical activity had less severe depression symptoms. Findings suggest that improving HRQoL is critical to the prevention and management of depression symptoms in women with chronic illness. Psychological and health-related factors that influence HRQoL, such as sleep quality and health-related hardiness, are important clinical considerations for health practitioners.
Highlights
As life expectancy continues to increase, healthy ageing has become a public health priority
This is the first known study to explore the relations between physical activity and the psychological and health-related characteristics predicting depression symptoms in women 45 years and older with chronic illness
We found that 40% of women did not participate in adequate physical activity to confer a health benefit, which is consistent with recent research in an Australian adult population study (Short et al, 2015)
Summary
As life expectancy continues to increase, healthy ageing has become a public health priority. Together with the psychological and biological changes associated with depression, increase the risk of developing a chronic illness, while the presence of a chronic health condition and associated physical changes may initiate depression (Katon, 2011). The aim of this study was to determine the impact of physical activity on depression symptom severity in women 45 years and older with a chronic illness diagnosis, and explore relations between physical activity and psychological and health-related characteristics predicting depression symptoms. Methods: 1,932 women diagnosed with one of five chronic illnesses: asthma, depression, diabetes, osteoarthritis, or osteoporosis participated in a sub-study of the 45 and Up Study—a cross-sectional study of people aged 45 years and older. The survey included items measuring demographics, depression symptoms, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), health-related hardiness, sleep quality, and health behaviours, such as physical activity. Psychological and healthrelated factors that influence HRQoL, such as sleep quality and health-related hardiness, are important clinical considerations for health practitioners
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