Physical Activity,Gender Difference,and Depressive Symptoms |
| |
| Authors: | Jun Zhang MS Steven T Yen PhD |
| |
| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD;2. STY Health Econometrics, Knoxville, TN |
| |
| Abstract: | ObjectiveTo investigate the roles of physical activity (exercise) and sociodemographic factors in
depressive symptoms among men and women in the United States.Data Source2011 U.S. Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).Study DesignPatient Health Questionnaire Depression Scale (PHQ-8) scores are aggregated and divided into five
categories. An ordered switching probability model with binary endogenous physical activity is
developed to accommodate ordinality of depression categories and ameliorate statistical biases due
to endogeneity of physical activity.Principal FindingsAverage treatment effects suggest physical activity ameliorates depressive symptoms among mildly
and moderately depressed individuals, most notably among mildly depressed women. Gender differences
exist in the roles of sociodemographic factors, with age, income, race, education, employment
status, and recent mental health condition playing differentiated roles in affecting depressive
symptoms.ConclusionsRegular physical activity reduces depressive symptoms among both men and women with mild to
moderate depression, notably among women. |
| |
| Keywords: | Depressive symptoms physical activity gender difference ordered probability model |
|
|
