Moderating effects of age on associations between exercise self-efficacy and physical activity in women with psychosis in Hong Kong

Physical activity (PA) can improve the clinical symptoms, physical health, and functional outcomes of patients with psychosis. This study aimed to investigate the moderating effects of age on the associations between exercise self-efficacy (ESE) and PA in women with psychosis.

Data from 38 women with psychosis (mean age, 37.5±13.2 years) who participated in a community mental health project in Hong Kong were analysed. Psychotic symptoms were evaluated using the Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms and the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms. Levels of PA were determined using the self-report International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Long Form. ESE was assessed using a self-report instrument. The moderating effects of age on associations between ESE domains and physical activity levels were assessed.

Age was correlated with moderate-intensity PA (r = 0.51, p = 0.007) and total PA (r = 0.52, p = 0.002). The ESE 'must exercise alone' domain was correlated with moderate-intensity PA (r = 0.17, p = 0.009) and total PA (r = 0.15, p = 0.04). The ESE 'resistance from others' domain was correlated with moderate-intensity PA (r = 0.0003, p = 0.03). No significant correlations were observed between other PA variables and other ESE domains. Among women with psychosis, age was a moderating factor in the association between moderate-intensity PA and ESE, particularly in domains of 'must exercise alone', 'inconvenience to exercise', and 'resistance from others'.

Among women with psychosis, ESE domains of 'must exercise alone', 'inconvenience to exercise', and 'resistance from others' as well as overall ESE were significantly associated with moderate-intensity PA in older age group only. Age-specific strategies should be applied when designing interventions to increase PA levels in this population.