Physical activity correlates in people with anxiety: Data from 46 low- and middle-income countries

There is a lack of nationally-representative data on the correlates of physical activity (PA) among people with anxiety symptoms. Thus, we investigated PA correlates among community-dwelling adults with anxiety symptoms in 46 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) using predominantly nationally-representative data.

Cross-sectional data from the World Health Survey were analysed. PA was assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and participants were dichotomised into those that do (≥150min moderate-vigorous PA) and do not (<150min) meet recommended PA weekly targets. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the correlates.

The analysis included 24,850 people with anxiety symptoms (43.3±16.6years; 39.7% males). The prevalence of low PA was 33.1% (95%CI=31.6%-34.6%). Older age [e.g., OR=4.57 for age≥65 vs. 18-24years], not married/cohabiting (vs. married/cohabiting OR=1.36), being in the richest quintile (vs. poorest OR=1.41), unemployed (vs. employed OR=2.18), inadequate vegetable consumption (vs. adequate OR=1.66), and poor sleep/energy, worse cognition, pain/discomfort and mobility difficulties were all significant correlates of low PA.

PA is associated with a range of factors among people with anxiety symptoms. Future interventions might target the identified correlates in order to facilitate people with anxiety to be more physically active.