Self-reported domain-specific and accelerometer-based physical activity and sedentary behaviour in relation to psychological distress among an urban Asian population

Public awareness of war on diabetes campaign and its association with behavioural outcomes

The War on Diabetes campaign was launched in 2016, encouraging Singapore residents to engage in regular exercise, adopt healthy dietary habits and screen for early detection of diabetes. This study aims to examine campaign awareness and its associations with sedentary behaviour, dietary habits and identifying diabetes. Data were obtained from the nationwide Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices study on diabetes in Singapore. A total of 2895 participants responded to a single question assessing campaign awareness. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet screener assessed dietary habits, and the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) measured sedentary behaviour. Recognition of diabetes was established using a vignette depicting a person with diabetes mellitus. Logistic and linear regression models were used to measure the associations. Most participants were 18- to 34-years old (29.9%) and females (51.6%). About 57.4% identified the campaign. Campaign awareness exhibited positive associations with identifying diabetes based on the vignette [odds ratio (OR): 1.5; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1-2.2; P = 0.022], lower odds of sedentary behaviour ≥7 h/day (OR: 0.7; CI: 0.5-0.9; P = 0.018) and higher DASH scores (β = 1.3; P < 0.001). The study recognized early significant associations between the behavioural outcomes and the campaign, emphasizing the need for ongoing campaign sustainability and evaluation of its long-term impact on population health.

Prevalence and correlates of psychological distress among national community-based adult populations in Nauru, Tukelau and Tuvalu

AIMS

The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence and correlates of psychological distress (PD) in three small Pacific Island countries.

METHOD

National cross-sectional data (pooled sample N = 3,088, 18-69 years) of participants from the STEPS surveys in Nauru (2015/16; N = 1382), Tukelau (2014; N = 554) and Tuvalu (2015; N = 1152) were analysed.

RESULTS

In the pooled sample 30.4% participants had PD (⩾20 scores), 18.1% mild (20-24 scores), 7.8% moderate (25-29 scores) and 4.4% severe (30-50 scores) PD. The prevalence of PD in Nauru was 41.5%, in Tukelau 5.0% and in Tuvalu 22.7%. In the adjusted logistic regression analysis with the pooled sample, younger age (18-39 years), alcohol family problems, heart attack/stroke, current smoking, high salt intake and high sedentary behaviour were positively associated with PD, while male sex and being from Tukelau and Tuvalu were negatively associated with PD.

CONCLUSION

Almost one in three participants reported PD and several associated factors were found that can be targeted in population interventions.

Long sedentary time is associated with worsened cardiometabolic risk factors among university employees in Eastern Ethiopia

Sedentary time is associated with increased risks of detrimental health outcomes. Prolonged sedentary time associates with cardiometabolic risk factors and increased mortality regardless of physical activity. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the associations of sedentary time and cardiometabolic risk factors among university employees in Eastern Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1200 participants. Data were collected using the World Health Organization STEPS survey instrument, and sedentary behavior questionnaire in hour per day. Sedentary time is the time spent for any duration (minutes per day or hours per day) by considering a local context. Study participants were asked how many minutes or hours they spent in sedentary time at work, their leisure time and in transportation. Finally, the total sedentary time was calculated by the sum of the individual spent in sedentary time at work, leisure, and transportation. Cardiometabolic risk factors were assessed with blood samples analysis and anthropometric measurements. The associations between sedentary time and cardiometabolic risk factors were examined using linear regression models. An adjusted coefficient (β) with the 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to report the results. p value < 0.05 was considered for statistical significance. The mean age of the study participants were (35 ± 9.4 years). Almost half of the study participants, 566 (48.6) were women and 598 (51.4%) were men. As the total sedentary time was increased by one unit, the body mass index increased by β = 0.61; (95% CI 0.49-0.71),waist circumference increased by β = 1.48; (95% CI 1.14-1.82), diastolic blood pressure increased by β = 0.87; (95% CI 0.56-1.18), systolic blood pressure increased by β = 0.95; (95% CI 0.45-1.48), triglycerides increased by β = 7.07; (95% CI 4.01-10.14), total cholesterol increased by β = 3.52; (95% CI 2.02-5.02), fasting plasma glucose increased by β = 4.15; (95% CI 5.31-4.98) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased by β = 2.14; (95% CI 0.96-3.33) with the effects of other variables maintain constant. These findings depict the need for strategies that policymakers should promote physical activity and encouraging the breaking up of prolonged sedentary time to reduce cardiometabolic risk factors among university employees in Ethiopia.

Physical Activity and Mental Health in Undergraduate Students

Most research support positive relationships between physical activity and mental health. However, possible moderating variables of these relationships have also been identified, such as age, gender, level of physical activity, and the scope of physical activity. This study aimed to analyze the relationships between physical activity and mental health levels in undergraduate students, assessing whether these associations can change depending on the level of physical activity (low, medium, or high) and the setting (occupational, commuting, or leisure time physical activity) in which it was performed. A descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted. The sample comprised 847 undergraduate students. Physical activity and mental health were measured by the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQv2) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). We found relationships between students' physical activity level and their mental health status. The higher the total physical activity, the better their mental health scores. High levels of commuting and leisure time physical activity is also associated with better mental health, while only moderate levels of occupational physical activity are associated with better mental health status. Regarding the possible associations between physical activity and vulnerability to mental health problems, with the fully adjusted regression model, leisure time and occupational physical activity remain protective of a poor state of mental health. Leisure time physical activity, performed at a high level, and moderate occupational physical activity seems to be the best combination of physical activity to reduce students' vulnerability to potential mental health problems.

Historical development of accelerometry measures and methods for physical activity and sedentary behavior research worldwide: A scoping review of observational studies of adults

This scoping review identified observational studies of adults that utilized accelerometry to assess physical activity and sedentary behavior. Key elements on accelerometry data collection were abstracted to describe current practices and completeness of reporting. We searched three databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus) on June 1, 2021 for articles published up to that date. We included studies of non-institutionalized adults with an analytic sample size of at least 500. The search returned 5686 unique records. After reviewing 1027 full-text publications, we identified and abstracted accelerometry characteristics on 155 unique observational studies (154 cross-sectional/cohort studies and 1 case control study). The countries with the highest number of studies included the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan. Fewer studies were identified from the continent of Africa. Five of these studies were distributed donor studies, where participants connected their devices to an application and voluntarily shared data with researchers. Data collection occurred between 1999 to 2019. Most studies used one accelerometer (94.2%), but 8 studies (5.2%) used 2 accelerometers and 1 study (0.6%) used 4 accelerometers. Accelerometers were more commonly worn on the hip (48.4%) as compared to the wrist (22.3%), thigh (5.4%), other locations (14.9%), or not reported (9.0%). Overall, 12.7% of the accelerometers collected raw accelerations and 44.6% were worn for 24 hours/day throughout the collection period. The review identified 155 observational studies of adults that collected accelerometry, utilizing a wide range of accelerometer data processing methods. Researchers inconsistently reported key aspects of the process from collection to analysis, which needs addressing to support accurate comparisons across studies.

Associations between Physical Activity Level and Mental Health in the Spanish Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

Physical inactivity and sedentary lifestyles appear to be critical factors in developing mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and other diseases in developed societies. This study analysed the associations between physical activity level (PAL) and mental health using the Goldberg General Health Questionnaire (GHQ12) in the Spanish population before the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional design, based on data from the Spanish National Health Survey (ENSE 2017), the last health survey before the pandemic, was carried out with 17,641 participants. Data did not follow a normal distribution, so non-parametric tests were used to analyse intergroup differences, differences at baseline and post hoc, and correlations between variables. Associations were found between the PAL, mental health and all its dimensions. The groups that performed moderate and intense PAL showed lower values in the GHQ12 questionnaire than those who walked or were inactive. Thus, higher PAL was associated with better mental health indicators, including successful coping, self-esteem and stress. This study provides a framework to compare outcomes between the pre- and post-pandemic periods, as the ENSE is performed every five years.

The role of socio-demographic factors and physical functioning in the intra- and interpersonal variability of older adults' sedentary time: an observational two-country study

BACKGROUND

Insight into the variability of older adults' sedentary time is needed to inform future interventions. The aim of this study was to examine the intra- and interpersonal variability in sedentary time, and the moderating role of socio-demographics, physical functioning and geographical location in this variability.

METHODS

Cross-sectional data from 818 community-dwelling older adults (mean age: 74.8 years; 61.1%women) of the Active Lifestyle and the Environment in Chinese Seniors and Belgian Environmental Physical Activity Study in Seniors were used. An interview questionnaire was administered to collect socio-demographic information. The Short Physical Performance Battery was performed to evaluate physical functioning, and Actigraph GT3X( +) accelerometers were used to estimate sedentary time. Linear mixed models with random intercepts at the neighborhood, person and day levels examined the variability in sedentary time, and the moderating role of socio-demographics, physical functioning and geographical location within this variability.

RESULTS

Most of the variance in accelerometry-assessed sedentary time was due to intrapersonal variability across periods of the day (72.4%) followed by interpersonal variability within neighborhoods (25.6%). Those who were older, men, lived in Hong Kong, and experienced a lower level of physical functioning were more sedentary than their counterparts. Sedentary time increased throughout the day, with highest levels of sedentary time observed between 6:00 and 9:00 pm. The patterns of sedentary time across times of the day differed by gender, educational attainment, age, physical functioning and/or geographical location. No significant differences were detected between week and weekend day sedentary time.

CONCLUSIONS

The oldest old, men, and those with functional limitations are important target groups for sedentary behavior interventions. As sedentary time was the highest in the evening future sedentary behavior intervention should pay particular attention to the evening hours. The variations in diurnal patterns of sedentary time between population subgroups suggest that personalized just-in-time adaptive interventions might be a promising strategy to reduce older adults' sedentary time.

Decreased physical activity with subjective pleasure is associated with avoidance behaviors

The main hypothesis for the relation between physical activity and mental health is that autonomous motivation, such as subjective pleasure for the activity, plays an important role. However, no report has described empirical research designed to examine the role of subjective pleasure in the relation between objectively measured physical activity and psychological indexes. We used accelerometers to collect data indicating participants' physical activity intensity during a week. Participants recorded their subjective pleasure of activity per hour. In 69% of them, the individual correlation coefficients between physical activity and pleasure in an hour (an index of Physical Activity-Pleasure; PA-PL) were positive (r = 0.22, 95%Cl = [0.11-0.38]), indicating that pleasant sensations increased concomitantly with increasing physical activity. Conversely, 31% participants exhibited negative values of PA-PL, which means that the increase in physical activity had the opposite effect, decreasing pleasure. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that avoidance/rumination behaviors decreased significantly with increased PA-PL (β = -6.82, 95%CI: [-13.27 to -0.38], p < .05). These results indicate that subjective pleasure attached to the PA is more important than the PA amount for reducing depressive behavior.

Domain-Specific Active and Sedentary Behaviors in Relation to Workers' Presenteeism and Absenteeism

OBJECTIVES

To examine the associations between domain-specific sedentary and active behaviors and workers' presenteeism and absenteeism in a sample of company employees.

METHODS

This study recruited participants (n = 2466) from a nationwide online survey database (Japan, 2019). Participants completed a questionnaire that captured data on relative and absolute presenteeism and absenteeism and domain-specific physical activity and sedentary behaviors.

RESULTS

Daily minutes of work-related physical activity were negatively associated with relative absenteeism. Daily minutes of leisure-related physical activity were positively associated with absolute presenteeism (ie, better productivity). Daily minutes of total physical activity were negatively and positively associated with relative absenteeism and absolute presenteeism (ie, better productivity). There was also a positive association between car sitting time and absolute absenteeism.

CONCLUSIONS

A change in work culture and practices that support active behaviors at work and outside of work may improve employee's productivity indices.

Accelerometer Profile of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in a Multi-Ethnic Urban Asian Population

Purpose: Variability in accelerometry-data processing decisions limited data comparability across studies. We aimed to examine different accelerometry-data processing rules: varying bout lengths and allowance of 0- and 2-min interruptions on the total and bout-accumulated time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behavior estimates, and describe the distribution of activity time based on counts per min (CPM) in granular categories. Method: Using the Singapore Health 2 survey, this study included 746 adults (41.8% women, median age 45.0 years) who provided valid ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometer-data (≥4 valid days with ≥10-h/day). Quantile regression analysis adjusting for accelerometry daily wear time, age, and gender was performed to calculate the median and interquartile range of accelerometry estimates. Results: Median MVPA time accumulated in bouts of 1-min versus bouts of 10-min was 39.2 min/day and 6.0 min/day, respectively. MVPA time was higher when considering a 2-min interruption (range: 1.8-39.2 min/day) compared to 0-min interruption (range: 0-35.5 min/day) across bout lengths of 1- to 15-min. Participants were sedentary (≤100 CPM) for a daily median of 7.6 h/day. Median activities min/day on the lower-intensity activity spectrum (100-2499 CPM) decreased from 63.4 to 4.6 min/day, while on the higher-intensity activity spectrum (≥2500 CPM) was ≤2.9 min/day. Men generally spent more time in MVPA than women. Conclusions: This study highlights the differences in accelerometry estimates based on data processing decisions, and the importance of quantifying accelerometry-based activity time across the granular intensity spectrum. More studies are warranted to understand the determinants and health impact of these behaviors.

Is all activity equal? Associations between different domains of physical activity and depressive symptom severity among 261,121 European adults

BACKGROUND

Physical activity is often associated with better mental health. However, there is evidence that the domain of physical activity influences the strength and direction of this association. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the associations between different domains of physical activity and depression among a large sample of adults living in the European Union.

METHODS

Cross-sectional analyses were conducted on 261,121 adults, recruited in the European Health Interview Survey (wave 2). Validated items were used to assess physical activity domains (i.e., work-related, transport-related, leisure-time aerobic, and muscle-strengthening) and depression symptom severity (8-item personal health questionnaire). Generalized linear models with Poisson regressions provided adjusted prevalence ratios (APR) of depressive symptom severity categories across the physical activity domains.

RESULTS

Compared to doing no physical activity, any physical effort at work (APR: 0.82-0.86), moderate, high, and very high levels of transport-related (APR: 0.69-0.83) and aerobic leisure-time activity (APR: 0.78-0.87), and 3 days/week of muscle-strengthening (APR: 0.93) were associated with a lower prevalence of mild depressive symptom severity. Moreover, doing any level of physical activity in any domain was mostly associated with a lower prevalence of moderate (APR: 0.43-0.80), moderate-severe (APR: 0.34-0.82), and severe (APR: 0.26-0.56) depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Favorable associations were seen between any domain (leisure-time, transport- and work-related) of physical activity and depressive symptom severity. The more severe the symptoms, the stronger the associations. Both modalities of leisure-time physical activity (aerobic and muscle-strengthening) demonstrated beneficial associations with depression, but slightly more so for aerobic physical activity.

Prevalence and correlates of psychological distress among a national population-based sample of adults in Solomon Islands

BACKGROUND

Psychological distress is an undersearched cause of poorer health in the Pacific island countries.

AIMS

The study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of psychological distress in a population-based survey among 18-69 year-old persons in Solomon Islands.

METHOD

Cross-sectional nationally representative data of 2,533 18-69 year-old persons (38 years were the median age) from the 2015 Solomon Islands STEPS survey were analysed.

RESULTS

The results indicate that 18.9% of participants had psychological distress (⩾20 scores), 13.4% had mild (20-24 scores), 4.3% moderate (25-29 scores) and 1.1% severe (30-50 scores) psychological distress. In adjusted logistic regression analysis, being divorced, separated, or widowed (AOR: 2.76, 95% CI: 1.60-4.78), having had a heart attack or stroke (AOR: 3.34, 95% CI: 2.23-4.99), alcohol dependence (AOR: 1.72, 95% CI: 1.04-2.84), and sedentary behaviour (AOR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.28-2.84), were positively and the consumption of 3-4 servings of fruit and vegetables (AOR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.42-0.92), were negatively associated with psychological distress (⩾20 scores). In addition, in a sex stratified adjusted logistic regression analysis among men, current smokeless tobacco use (AOR: 4.95, 95% CI: 1.66-14.75), was associated with psychological distress. Furthermore, in the overall unadjusted analysis, stop smoking attempts in the past 12 months and consumption of too much salt was associated with psychological distress.

CONCLUSION

Almost one in five participants were reported psychological distress and several factors were detected which could be targeted in intervention activities.

Is device-based total and domain-specific sedentary behaviour associated with psychological distress in Flemish workers?

BACKGROUND

There is increasing interest in the association between psychological distress and time spent in sedentary behaviour (e.g. sitting), a highly prevalent behaviour in modern society. The limited evidence is mixed and mainly based on studies using self-reported sedentary time. Few studies have investigated device-based total sedentary time in its association with distress. None, however, have examined device-based domain-specific sedentary time in relation to psychological distress. The aim of this study was to investigate whether device-based total and domain-specific sedentary behaviour were associated with psychological distress.

METHODS

Flemish employees (n = 401; 20-64 years; 42.6% male; 83.6% had a 'physically active occupation') of seven organizations in service and production sectors participated. Sedentary behaviour (exposure) was assessed by two Axivity AX3 accelerometers (one placed on the thigh and one placed between the shoulders) for two to four consecutive working days. Based on diary completion, domain-specific sedentary behaviour (leisure vs. work) was assessed. The 12-item General Health Questionnaire was used to assess psychological distress (outcome). Adjusted hierarchical multiple regression models were conducted to report on the associations between total and domain-specific sedentary behaviour and psychological distress.

RESULTS

About 35% of the sample had high levels of distress and average total sedentary time was 7.2 h/day. Device-based total sedentary behaviour [B = -0.009, 95% confidence interval (CI), -0.087 to 0.068], leisure-time (B = 0.001, 95% CI, -0.017 to 0.018) and work-related (B = 0.004, 95% CI, -0.006 to 0.015) sedentary behaviour were not significantly associated with psychological distress.

CONCLUSION

This cross-sectional study examining the association between device-based total and domain-specific sedentary behaviour and psychological distress among employees showed a lack of significant findings.

Sleep Duration, Sleep Quality and Physical Activity, but Not Sedentary Behaviour, Are Associated with Positive Mental Health in a Multi-Ethnic Asian Population: A Cross-Sectional Evaluation

BACKGROUND

We assessed the associations of sleep, physical activity and sedentary behaviour with positive mental health (PMH) in the multi-ethnic population of Singapore.

METHODS

The Singapore Health 2 study is a nationally representative cross-sectional survey among residents aged 18-79 years. A PMH instrument was administered to 1925 participants to obtain total PMH and six sub-component scores. Self-rated sleep duration, sleep quality, sedentary behaviour and physical activity were assessed. Multivariable linear regression analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

The mean age of the participants was 40.1 (SD 14.3) years. Sleep duration (≥8 h/night: β = 0.17,95% CI: 0.02-0.32; 7-< 8 h/night: β = 0.17,95% CI: 0.03-0.30 versus <6 h/night, p = 0.002), sleep quality (very good: β = 0.45,95% CI: 0.29-0.60; fairly good: β = 0.20,95% CI: 0.06-0.33 versus very/fairly bad; ptrend < 0.001) and physical activity (high: β = 0.19,95% CI: 0.05-0.32; moderate: β = 0.15, 95% CI: 0.03-0.27 versus low; ptrend < 0.001) were directly associated with total PMH. Sedentary behaviour was not significantly associated with PMH. Sleep duration, sleep quality and physical activity were directly associated with the PMH sub-components 'emotional support' and 'personal growth and autonomy'.

CONCLUSIONS

Duration and quality of sleep and physical activity were directly associated with PMH in an urban Asian population. These findings support incorporating sleep and physical activity interventions to improve population mental health.

Adherence to aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercise guidelines and associations with psychological distress: A cross-sectional study of 14,050 English adults

Physical activity (PA) is beneficial for the prevention and management of psychological distress. However, no studies have investigated which combination/s of PA prescribed in the current global guidelines (i.e. aerobic moderate-to-vigorous PA [MVPA] and muscle-strengthening exercise [MSE]) are most strongly linked to reduced psychological distress. This study aimed to examine how PA guidelines adherence is associated with psychological distress. Using cross-sectional data of adults (n = 14,050) who participated in the 2012-2016 Health Survey for England, four categories of self-reported PA guidelines adherence were created: meeting none, only MSE, only aerobic MVPA, meeting both (exposure variables). Psychological distress (outcome) was measured using the General Health Questionnaire-12. The likelihood of experiencing high levels of psychological distress (cut-point of ≥4) across guidelines adherence categories was examined using logistic regression models adjusted for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. About 17% of adults experienced high levels of psychological distress; 37.5% did not adhere to any PA guidelines (category 1), 1.3% met only MSE (category 2), 35.5% met only aerobic MVPA (category 3), and 25.7% met both guidelines (category 4). Compared to category 1, the likelihood of experiencing high psychological distress was lowest in category 4 (OR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.54-0.77) followed by category 3 (OR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.67-0.90), while it did not differ in category 2 (OR = 1.24, 95% CI: 0.75-2.05). This is the first study to identify the association between PA guidelines adherence and psychological distress in a large population sample. Findings suggest that meeting both aerobic MVPA and MSE guidelines might be most beneficial for mental health.

Associations among sexuality-related factors, recent two-week morbidity and annual hospitalization in female migrant workers: a cross-sectional study in southern China

To explore the influence of sexuality-related factors on recent two-week morbidity and annual hospitalization in female migrant workers, 880 Chinese rural-to-urban female migrant workers aged 16-57 years were studied. Clustered logistic regression analyses revealed that women who never or seldom experienced lubrication difficulties had a lower risk of recent two-week morbidity (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.17-0.60, P< 0.001; adjusted OR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.18-0.69, P= 0.003) than those who always experienced lubrication difficulties; women who never felt a lack of sexual interest had a significantly lower risk of annual hospitalization (adjusted OR = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.20-0.79, P= 0.009) than those who always or seldom lacked sexual interest, and women who never felt sexual satisfaction had a higher risk of annual hospitalization (adjusted OR = 3.08, 95% CI = 1.75-5.42, P< 0.001) than those who always or seldom experienced sexual satisfaction. The independent contributions of sexuality-related factors to the risk of recent two-week morbidity and annual hospitalization were 5.8% and 29.5%, respectively. This study suggests that sexuality may have a modest influence on recent two-week morbidity and a dominant impact on annual hospitalization.

Motor Coordination and Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity in Emerging Adults: Mediating Effect of Physical Self-Concept

Little research has investigated the relationships among motor coordination, perceived physical self-concept (PSC), and physical activity during emerging adulthood. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether PSC mediates the relationship between motor coordination and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in emerging adults. This was a cross-sectional study with 218 undergraduate students aged 17-23 years (167 females, 76.6%). Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire including self-reported measures of motor coordination, PSC and MVPA. The mediating effects of both overall and domain-specific PSC were tested on the relationship between motor coordination and MVPA. Motor coordination was found to have a significant indirect effect on MVPA through overall PSC. Exploratory analyses specifically showed a mediating effect of domain-specific PSC of activity on the relationships between motor coordination and MVPA during chores and leisure-time. Findings from the current study highlight the importance of PSC on the relationship between motor coordination and MVPA and showed that university students with poor motor coordination exhibit lower levels of PSC, specifically, the perception of activity. Future interventions targeting the enhancement of MVPA should focus on improvement in the self-perception of physical activity alongside motor skills training.

Exercising Alone or Exercising With Others and Mental Health Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults: Longitudinal Analysis of Cross-Lagged and Simultaneous Effects

BACKGROUND

Although the beneficial effects of physical activity and exercise on mental health are well known, the optimal conditions for them for benefitting mental health are still unclear. Engaging in exercise with others might have more desirable effects on mental health than engaging in exercise alone. This study examined the associations between exercising alone, exercising with others, and mental health among middle-aged and older adults.

METHODS

Baseline and 1-year follow-up surveys were conducted with 129 individuals. Time spent exercising alone or with others was measured using a 7-day diary survey. Total physical activity was objectively measured using an accelerometer. Mental well-being was assessed using the simplified Japanese version of the World Health Organization Five Well-Being Index, and mental distress was assessed using the Japanese version of the Kessler Distress Scale (K6).

RESULTS

Cross-lagged and simultaneous effects models revealed that exercising with others positively influenced mental well-being. Exercising alone and total physical activity did not significantly influence mental well-being. Neither total physical activity, exercising alone, nor exercising with others was significantly associated with mental distress.

CONCLUSION

Engaging in exercise with others could be effective in improving mental well-being relative to engaging in exercise alone.

Understanding and Influencing Occupational Sedentary Behavior: A Mixed-Methods Approach in a Multiethnic Asian Population

We aim to assess sedentary behavior (SB) and its determinants, as well as potential strategies to reduce SB among employees in a tertiary hospital in Singapore, using a mixed-methods approach grounded in the socioecological framework. All employees with email and security guards of a tertiary hospital in Singapore were invited to complete a questionnaire that captured sociodemographics and self-reported domain-specific SB. Environmental influences of occupational SB were assessed using an adapted version of the Checklist for Health Promotion Environments at the Worksite (CHEW). Focus group discussion (FGD) addressed perceptions, barriers, and strategies toward reducing workplace SB. Analyses were performed separately and integrated using an inductive comparative approach. The median occupational sitting time (n = 938) was 300 minutes/day, and highest among administrative staff (administrative, 421 minutes/day; allied health, 300 minutes/day; ancillary, 300 minutes/day; nursing, 120 minutes/day; medical/dental/others, 240 minutes/day; p value: <.001). The CHEW assessment identified poor physical and information environment contributing to occupational SB. FGDs confirmed an unsupportive environment and elicited barriers such as low SB awareness, nature of work, and workplace norms. Besides environmental approaches, participants suggested having face-to-face communication and social modelling to promote more breaks from sitting. This mixed-methods study among diverse professional groups of a tertiary hospital indicated a large amount of occupational SB, particularly among administrative staff. Raising awareness of the health risks of SB and building a supportive organizational culture, information, and physical environment emerged as significant factors. To reduce occupational SB, multicomponent interventions addressing these diverse factors are warranted.

High physical activity is associated with post-traumatic stress disorder among individuals aged 15 years and older in South Africa

Background

Some research seems to suggest that physical activity (PA) was beneficial for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Aim

This study examined the association between levels of PA and PTSD among individuals 15 years and above in South Africa.

Setting

Community-based survey sample representative of the national population in South Africa.

Methods

In all, 15 201 individuals (mean age 36.9 years) responded to the cross-sectional South African National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (SANHANES-1) in 2012.

Results

One in five (20.1%) of participants reported exposure to at least one traumatic event in a lifetime, and 2.1% were classified as having a PTSD, 7.9% fulfilled PTSD re-experiencing criteria, 3.0% PTSD avoidance criteria and 4.3% PTSD hyperarousal criteria. Almost half (48.1%) of respondents had low PA, 17.4% moderate PA and 34.5% high PA. In logistic regression analysis, adjusted for age, sex, population group, employment status, residence status, number of trauma types, problem drinking, current tobacco use, sleep problems and depressive symptoms, high PA was associated with PTSD (odds ratio [OR] = 1.75, confidence interval [CI] = 1.11–2.75), PTSD re-experiencing symptom criteria (OR = 1.43, CI = 1.09–1.86) and PTSD avoidance symptom criteria (OR = 1.74, CI = 1.18–2.59), but high PA was not associated with PTSD hyperarousal symptom criteria. In generalised structural equation modelling, total trauma events had a positive direct and indirect effect on PTSD mediated by high PA, and high PA had a positive indirect effect on PTSD, mediated by psychological distress and problem drinking.

Conclusion

After controlling for relevant covariates, high PA was associated with increased PTSD symptomatology.

Participation in Physical Activity is Associated with Sexual Activity in Older English Adults

Physical activity (PA) is a potential modifiable correlate of the age-related decline in sexual function, but no studies have explicitly tested this. This study aimed to examine associations between PA, television viewing (TV) time and sexual activity, problems, and concerns. Data were from 7038 men and women aged ≥50 years participating in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. PA and TV viewing time were self-reported. Sexual behaviour and concerns were assessed by self-completion questionnaire. Covariates included age, partnership status, socio-economic status, limiting long-standing illness, smoking status, alcohol intake and depressive symptoms. The odds of reporting any sexual activity were increased among individuals who participated in moderate (OR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.24–2.15 in men) or vigorous (OR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.50–2.84 in men, OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.09–1.85 in women) PA at least once a week. Erectile difficulties were less common among men who were active (OR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.44–0.77 for vigorous PA). Women who watched ≥6 h of TV/day had lower odds of thinking about sex frequently (OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.50–0.96) or, if they did not live with a partner, being sexually active (OR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.22–0.72). Encouraging older adults to be more physically active could help to improve sexual relationships and, as a result, mental health and wellbeing.