Intersection of physical activity domains and depressive symptoms in Brazilian adults

Abstract

 Introduction: Physical activity (PA) has been recommended for the prevention and treatment of depressive symptoms, but the association appears to depend on multiple factors. The aim of this study was to analyze the possible associations between the intersections of the PA domains and depressive symptoms in Brazilian adults. Methods: Data from 52,475 individuals aged ≥18 years were considered. The dependent variable was having depressive symptoms and the independent variable was PA in the different domains, considering all possible intersections. Results: The prevalence of depressive symptoms according to the practice of PA in the different domains and their possible intersections ranged, overall, from 4.1% (in those who were active in the ‘leisure time and work’ domains) to 18.0% (in those who were active in the ‘work and domestic’ domains). The ‘leisure time’ domain presented the best results as a protective factor for depressive symptoms, especially in isolation and in combination with ‘work’. The domain of ‘work’, when combined with domains other than ‘leisure time’, proved to be more of a risk factor than a protective factor. Those who were active in all four domains had a higher chance than those who were inactive in all domains. In men, the chance of depressive symptoms was higher in those who were active in ‘transportation and domestic’ and in women who were active in ‘work and domestic’. Conclusion: The results indicate that the relationship between PA and depressive symptoms may be different, depending on the intersection of the domains of practice.