Abstract
BackgroundPrevious studies have examined associations between sitting time and negative health outcomes and mental health. However, the relationship between overall sitting time and major depressive disorder (MDD) in South Korea has not been studied. This study examined the association between MDD and overall sitting time and physical activity in South Koreans.MethodsData from the sixth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), a cross-sectional, nationally representative survey, were analyzed. Total participants were 4145 in 2014. MDD was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Participants’ data regarding self-reported sitting time and physical activity were analyzed via multiple logistic regression.ResultsResults showed that people who sat for 8–10 h (OR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.15–2.11) or more than 10 h (OR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.23–2.39) had increased risk of MDD compared to those who sat for less than 5 h a day. Subgroup analysis showed that the strongest effect of reported sitting time on risk of MDD was found in men with lower levels of physical activity who sat for 8 to 10 h (OR: 3.04, 95% CI: 1.15–8.01) or more than 10 h (OR: 3.43, 95% CI: 1.26–9.35). Level of physical activity was not an independent predictor for MDD.ConclusionsSitting for long periods was associated with greater risk of MDD in South Korean adults. Reducing sitting time in people with MDD could help to prevent associated physical health problems and may improve mental health.
Highlights
Previous studies have examined associations between sitting time and negative health outcomes and mental health
Participants, design and setting of study The study used data collected during the second year (2014) of the sixth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), which was conducted by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) in South Korea
Sitting time of ≥8 h/d was reported by 45.6% of participants
Summary
Previous studies have examined associations between sitting time and negative health outcomes and mental health. The relationship between overall sitting time and major depressive disorder (MDD) in South Korea has not been studied. This study examined the association between MDD and overall sitting time and physical activity in South Koreans. South Korea has the highest suicide rate of those reported by Organization for Economic. The relatively fewer expressions for depressed mood in Asian populations may have resulted in under-reporting of depressive disorders [8]. These rates could be considered a proxy indicator of the population’s mental health. It is necessary to identify crucial risk factors associated with MDD prevention and management
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