Physical activity as a protective factor against depressive symptoms in older Chinese veterans in the community: result from a national cross-sectional study

ObjectiveLoneliness is a significant and independent risk factor for depression in later life. Particularly in Asian culture, older people may find it less stigmatising to express loneliness than depression. This study aimed to adapt a simple loneliness screen for use in older Chinese, and to ascertain its relevance in detecting depressive symptoms as a community screening tool.Design, setting and participantsThis cross-sectional study was conducted among 1653 older adults aged 60 years or above living in the community in Hong Kong. This was a convenient sample recruited from four local non-governmental organisations providing community eldercare or mental healthcare services. All data was collected by trained social workers through face-to-face interviews.MeasuresLoneliness was measured using an adapted Chinese version of UCLA 3-item Loneliness Scale, depression symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and social support with emotional and instrumental support proxies (number of people who can offer help). Basic demographics including age, gender, education and living arrangement were also recorded.ResultsThe average loneliness score was 3.9±3.0, and it had a moderate correlation with depressive symptoms (r=0.41, p<0.01). A loneliness score of 3 can distinguish those without depression from those with mild or more significant depressive symptoms, defined as a PHQ-9 score of ≥5 (sensitivity 76%, specificity 62%, area under the curve=0.73±0.01). Loneliness explained 18% unique variance of depressive symptoms, adding to age, living arrangement and emotional support as significant predictors.ConclusionA 3-item loneliness scale can reasonably identify older Chinese who are experiencing depressive symptoms as a quick community screening tool. Its wider use may facilitate early detection of depression, especially in cultures with strong mental health stigma.Trial registration numberClinicalTrials.gov NCT03593889

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Association between recommended levels of physical activity and depressive symptoms among Japanese adults: A cross-sectional study

Mental Health and Physical Activity ◽

10.1016/j.mhpa.2011.09.001 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 4 (2) ◽

pp. 57-63 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Kaori Ishii ◽

Ai Shibata ◽

Koichiro Oka

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Japanese Adults

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Associations of physical activity and fruit and vegetable intake with well-being and depressive symptoms among obese schoolchildren in Wuhan, China: a cross-sectional study

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-018-5779-9 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Hong-jie Yu ◽

Fang Li ◽

Yong-feng Hu ◽

Chang-feng Li ◽

Xu-hao Yang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Vegetable Intake ◽

Well Being ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Fruit And Vegetable Intake ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Fruit And Vegetable ◽

Cross Sectional

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Prevalence and risk factors of physical inactivity among middle-aged and older Chinese in Shenzhen: a cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2017-019775 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (10) ◽

pp. e019775 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Yanfeng Zhou ◽

Jiang Wu ◽

Shenchao Zhang ◽

Shijiao Yan ◽

Liping He ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Physical Inactivity ◽

Southern China ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Economic Pressure ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Older Chinese

ObjectiveInvestigations on physical inactivity are common around the world; however, little is known about the status of physical inactivity in mainland China. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and risk factors associated with physical inactivity in Shenzhen in Southern China.DesignA community-based, cross-sectional study.SettingA multistage-stratified, random cluster survey was conducted in Xixiang Street, Bao’an District of Shenzhen in Southeast China.Participants3920 adults aged 40 years or more were recruited to the study and completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form between 1 March 2015 and 30 July 2016.Main outcome measuresPhysical inactivity was defined as engaging in physical activity levels insufficient to reach the current guidelines. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were undertaken to assess the prevalence and risk factors associated with physical inactivity.ResultsThe prevalence of physical inactivity was 63.1% for all participants, 63.9% for women and 61.9% for men, respectively. Participants who were older (OR=1.31, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.54), who were female (OR=1.22, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.43), who had higher education experience (OR=1.38, 95% CI 1.19 to 1.61), who are under economic pressure (OR=2.17, 95% CI 1.48 to 3.17), who ever smoked a cigarette (OR=1.44, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.82) and drank alcohol (OR=1.42, 95% CI 1.14 to 1.77), and participants in the lowest body mass index category (OR=1.40, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.89), were more likely to report physical inactivity.ConclusionsThese findings indicate that physical inactivity is prevalent in Southern China. Interventions and programmes aimed at increasing physical activity among middle-aged and older Chinese adults may also be tailored to participants under economic pressure and those with unhealthy behaviours such as smoking and drinking.

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