Identifying Predictors of Mental Health Conditions and Potential Lifestyle Practices for Self-Management

Anxiety, depression, and sleep difficulties are mental health conditions (MHCs) that occur in up to 40% of young adults. Lifestyle practices, such as physical activity and quality diet, have been associated with better mental well-being; however, the use of lifestyle practices and the associations with MHCs among young adults are underexplored. Understanding these aspects may guide strategies to reduce the risk of MHCs via lifestyle choices.

Data from the U.S. National Health Interview Survey, restricted to 3992 adults aged 18-30 years, were analyzed. Anxiety, depression, and sleep difficulties were assessed. Sixteen queried lifestyle practices were consolidated into the following: mind-body, body-based, physical activity, diet, substance use, and other. Prevalence estimates for MHCs and lifestyle practices were calculated. Logistic regression was used to assess the characteristics of young adults with each MHC, and the associations between lifestyle practices with each MHC.

Common characteristics of participants with anxiety, depression, or sleep difficulties were less likely to be male and more likely to be obese, using medications and health services, and reporting multiple chronic conditions. Across three groups of MHCs, mind-body practices were more frequently used than among their respective control populations. Across the MHC group, mind-body practices were significantly associated (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]_A= 1.53; aOR_D= 1.78; aOR_S= 1.53). Unhealthy diet was positively associated with anxiety and sleep difficulties (aOR_A= 1.48, aOR_S= 1.34), and substance use was positively associated with anxiety (aOR_A= 1.81).

Young adults with MHCs may face certain socioeconomic and health-related disadvantages. Strategies targeting these disadvantaged populations to reduce unhealthy diet consumption and substance use may improve MHCs.