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Physical Activity Frequency and Depression in the Spanish Population
Ángel Denche-Zamorano1, David Ajenjo-Gomez1, Damián Pereira-Payo1
1Promoting a Healthy Society Research Group (PHeSO), Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Extremadura, 10003 Caceres, Spain.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|November 26, 2022
Summary
Physical activity significantly reduces the prevalence of depressive symptoms and depression in the Spanish adult population. Inactive individuals show higher rates of depression compared to those who engage in regular physical activity.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Mental Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Depression is a leading cause of global disability with substantial economic impact.
- Physical activity is recognized as a key intervention for preventing and treating depressive symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between physical activity levels and the prevalence of depressive symptoms and depression in the adult Spanish population.
- To analyze the relationship considering different frequencies of physical activity and strength training.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study utilizing data from the European Health Survey of Spain 2020 (EESE 2020).
- Sample comprised 21,150 participants (10,024 males, 11,126 females) aged 18-84 years.
- Analysis focused on self-reported days of physical activity and strength training per week.
Main Results:
- A significant relationship was found between depressive symptoms/depression and days of physical activity and strength training per week (p < 0.001).
- Prevalence of depressive symptoms and depression was significantly higher in inactive groups compared to active groups (p < 0.05).
- This association was consistent across both sexes and various age groups.
Conclusions:
- Physical activity is strongly associated with a lower prevalence of depressive symptoms and depression in the general Spanish population.
- Inactive individuals exhibit a higher prevalence of depression, regardless of sex or age.
- Further research is needed to confirm these findings and determine the full impact of physical activity on depression.
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