Association Between Physical Activity, Depression, and Diabetes in Urban-Dwelling People Living with HIV

Physical activity (PA) may improve physical and mental health in people living with HIV (PLWH). However, the associations between PA participation and physical and mental health problems of PLWH in urban settings remain largely unknown. Our objective was to determine the relationships between PA and physical and mental health in urban-dwelling PLWH. There were 289 adult PLWH who responded to an electronic survey including questions on PA and current physical and mental health. The associations between physical and mental health and PA were investigated using linear and logistic regression. A large proportion of participants met recommended volumes of PA. Eighty-three percent of respondents reported symptoms of severe mental distress. Diabetes mellitus was associated with a lower total volume of PA (p = .035). Similarly, depression was negatively associated with muscle-strengthening exercise participation (p = .030). Sufficient amounts of aerobic activity and/or muscle strengthening exercise are associated with better physical and mental health.