Effect of physical activity on suicidal ideation differs by gender and activity level

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Psychiatry
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Suicidal ideation is a serious complication of psychiatric disorders.
• Physical activity positively impacts mental health but its effect on suicidal ideation is understudied.
• Research is needed to understand the relationship between physical activity and suicidal ideation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between physical activity levels and suicidal ideation in the Korean adult population.
• To examine potential differences in this association based on gender and depression status.

Main Methods:

• Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2014 were analyzed.
• Suicidal ideation was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9.
• Physical activity was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and categorized into low, moderate, and high levels.

Main Results:

• Moderate physical activity was significantly associated with decreased suicidal ideation in the overall sample (adjusted for depression) and in women across all models.
• High physical activity levels did not show a significant association with reduced suicidal ideation in any group.
• No significant associations between physical activity levels and suicidal ideation were found in men.

Conclusions:

• The beneficial effect of physical activity on suicidal ideation appears to be weaker in men and individuals with high activity levels.
• Gender-specific and activity-level-specific guidelines for physical activity may be beneficial for reducing suicidal ideation.
• Further research is needed to confirm causality and explore nuances in the physical activity-suicidal ideation relationship.