Associations of Depressive Symptoms With Diabetes, Chronic Kidney Disease, and Physical Activity in Later Life

ObjectivesDiabetes-related chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common and clinically consequential multimorbidity cluster in later life. This study examined the associations of depressive symptoms (PHQ-9) with diabetes, CKD, coexisting diabetes-CKD, and physical activity (PA).MethodsData came from the 2011-2023 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (N = 13,610 adults aged ≥50). Linear regression models were used to answer the research questions.ResultsIn models adjusting for sociodemographic factors and other chronic illnesses, diabetes (B = 0.38, SE = 0.14, p = .007) and coexisting diabetes-CKD (B = 0.58, SE = 0.17, p = .001) were associated with higher depressive symptoms, whereas meeting PA guidelines was associated with lower symptoms (B = -0.86, SE = 0.10, p < .001). The inverse association between PA and depressive symptoms was weaker among individuals with advanced CKD (p = .042).ConclusionsThese findings suggest that depressive symptoms and PA are closely linked in later life, highlighting the importance of supporting combined mental health and exercise interventions for older adults with complex chronic conditions.