JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The association of physical activity(PA) and Diet quality(DQ) with depression symptom has never been investigated in a representative sample of adults.

Objective:

This study investigated the association of PA with depression symptom, of DQ with depression symptom as well as their combined effects on U.S adults.

Methods:

Data were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007-2018 waves. The primary exposures were DQ and PA, measured by the Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2015) and the Metabolic equivalent(MET) minutes per week reported on questionnaires, respectively. Depression symptoms defined as 9-Item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) scores of 10 or greater. A survey-logistic regression approach was used to model adjust the variables relevant to the associations and an age-adjusted prevalence for depression symptom was calculated following the NHANES guidelines.

Results:

19,295 participants represented a weighted number of 932.2 millions adults aged 20 to 80 years old in the non-institutionalized U.S population. Depression symptom was inversely associated with a higher level of PA (Adjusted odds ratio(AOR) = 0.819, 95% CI: 0.716, 0.938)and a healthy DQ(AOR = 0.809, 95% CI: 0.701, 0.931), respectively. A healthy diet combined with recommended PA was associated with a significantly lower depressive symptom risk(AOR = 0.658, 95% CI: 0.538, 0.803) than those who ate an unhealthy diet and were inactive.

Conclusions:

Our findings indicate that people with a healthy diet and recommended PA are linked to a lower depressive symptom risk than those with an unhealthy diet and a low level of PA. A healthy dietary habit and regular PA are potential precautions against depression.