Factors associated with adherence to sports and exercise among outpatients with major depressive disorder

• Published in: Trends in psychiatry and psychotherapy Vol. 43; no. 2; pp. 108 - 115
• Main Authors: Castro Monteiro, Fernanda, Barreto Schuch, Felipe, Camaz Deslandes, Andrea, Paz Mosqueiro, Bruno, Caldieraro, Marco Antonio, Pio de Almeida Fleck, Marcelo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Associação de Psiquiatria do Rio Grande do Sul 01.06.2021
• Subjects: Adherence; major depressive disorder; mood disorder; Original; physical activity; physical exercise; PSYCHIATRY; sports; Adherence; mood disorder; major depressive disorder; sports; physical exercise; physical activity
• ISSN: 2237-6089; 2238-0019; 2238-0019
• DOI: 10.47626/2237-6089-2019-0109

INTRODUCTIONIndividuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) face more barriers to engagement in sports and exercise interventions. Evaluating clinical and demographic factors associated with adherence to sports and exercise among MDD outpatients could support development of new options and strategies to increase their participation. METHODSIn a cross-sectional study, 268 depressed outpatients were evaluated (83.51% females; mean age = 50.74 [standard deviation {SD} = 10.39]). Sports and exercise participation were assessed using a question about participation frequency during the previous month. Clinical and demographic factors were evaluated. Linear regression was used to identify predictors of participation in sports and exercise. RESULTSMDD patients with mild symptoms of depression (odds ratio [OR] = 2.42; 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 1.00, 5.88; p = 0.04) and patients with mild to moderate symptoms (OR = 3.96; 95%CI 1.41, 11.15; p = 0.009) were more likely to engage regularly in sports and exercise than patients with more severe depression. Moreover, smoking (OR = 0.23; 95%CI 0.67, 0.80; p = 0.007) and being divorced (OR = 0.22; 95%CI 0.57, 0.86; p = 0.03) were associated with lower rates of engagement in sports and exercise. CONCLUSIONOur findings indicate a significant association between clinical and demographic factors and participation in sports and exercise among MDD outpatients.