The association between depression and physical activity among population in Vojvodina

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between depression and physical activity and to examine if depression reduces physical activity. Method: The research was carried out as a cross-sectional study on a representative sample of the population of Vojvodina, aged 15 and over, as part of the National Health Survey of Serbia, conducted in 2013. The presence of depressive symptoms was analyzed using the PHQ-8 questionnaire (Patient Health Questionnaire-8) and the score of 10 or above indicated a depressive episode (depression). Physical activity was analyzed through two domains: walking and cycling for transportation and leisure time physical activity. Results: The study included 3550 participants with an average age of 50.2 years. Less than half of the examinees who had depression (45.8%) walked at least 10 minutes continuously four to seven days a week and it was statistically different compared to participants without depressive symptoms (84.8%; p<0.001). There was statistically signifcant difference in practicing physical activity in leisure time, at least once a week, between participants without depressive symptoms and those who had a depressive episode (14.2% vs. 0.5%; p<0.001). Multivariable logistic regression showed that people with depression had a greater chance not to walk (OR=6.4; p<0.001) or ride a bicycle (OR=2.6; p<0.001) at least 10 minutes continuously, at least once a week. Conclusion: The research showed that the level of physical activity decreases with the presence of depressive symptoms and depression is recognized as a significant predictor of physical inactivity.