Reciprocal associations between physical activity,physical self-concept,somatic symptoms,and depression from adolescence to young adulthood: Disaggregating within- and between-person effects

The mechanisms by which physical activity may influence depressive symptoms, and vice versa, during adolescence are not well understood. The present study examined the longitudinal, reciprocal within-person associations between physical activity and depressive symptoms among a community-based sample of adolescents who were followed into young adulthood, while also estimating between-person effects and exploring physical self-concept and somatic symptoms as potential mediators. Data were from the Victoria Healthy Youth Survey (V-HYS), which followed adolescents (W1; N = 662; ages 12–18) biannually for ten years into young adulthood (W6; n = 478; ages 22–29). Random-intercept cross-lagged panel models were specified to understand the within- and between-person associations between physical activity and depressive symptoms, as well as potential mediation by physical self-concept and somatic symptoms. Results showed anticipated between-person associations between physical activity, physical self-concept, somatic symptoms, and depressive symptoms. Although within-person increases in depressive symptoms predicted decreases in physical activity two years later, within-person deviations in physical activity did not significantly predict subsequent changes in depressive symptoms. Within-person cross-lagged associations between physical self-concept and depressive symptoms, as well as somatic symptoms and depressive symptoms, were significant and bidirectional in nature. Results are consistent with past research demonstrating the potential long-term and enduring health risks of depressive symptoms. Future research that uses a shorter timeframe between assessments (e.g., days or weeks) may further clarify the link between physical activity and depression, including potential mechanisms that explain why this association unfolds.     

Tobacco Industry Lifestyle Magazines Targeted to Young Adults

PurposeTo examine cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between socioeconomic status (SES), gender, sports participation and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in adolescents.MethodsProject EAT (Eating Among Teens), a population-based longitudinal study followed a socioeconomically and ethnically diverse sample of 1709 adolescents in 1998–1999 (Time 1) and 2003–2004 (Time 2). Mixed model regression analyses were used to examine longitudinal trends in MVPA as a function of SES and previous sports involvement.ResultsFor both genders, participation in organized sports and weekly hours of MVPA were positively associated with SES. On average, MVPA decreased between high school and young adulthood for both genders. Adolescents who participated in sports during high school showed a steeper decline in weekly hours of MVPA than their non–sports-participating counterparts. SES had a significant moderating effect on the change in MVPA over time for boys who participated in organized sports, with low SES boys showing a steeper decline in MVPA between time periods than higher SES boys. Although on average, a statistically significant difference in MVPA between previous sports participants and nonparticipants remained at Time 2, for all SES groups and both genders, the gap between hours of MVPA was either overcome or significantly narrowed by young adulthood.ConclusionsIncreased dependence on organized sports for MVPA may be insufficient to meet the needs of youth following high school, especially for low SES youth. Designing physical activity promotions that reach and address the unique needs of lower SES youth and families is a public health priority.     

Symptoms of specific anxiety disorders may relate differentially to different physical activity modalities in young adults

BackgroundAnxiety symptoms may be a barrier to physical activity (PA) such that persons who experience anxiety engage in less PA. The purpose of this study was to assess if symptoms of panic disorder, social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or agoraphobia are associated with frequency, intensity or type of PA in young adults.MethodsData on lifetime anxiety symptoms and current PA levels were collected in self-report questionnaires in 2007–2008 from 880 persons aged 18–24 years participating in the Nicotine Dependence in Teens (NDIT) study. The associations between anxiety symptom subtypes and different PA modalities were investigated in five multivariable logistic regression models, one for each of five PA indicators (i.e., meeting moderate-to vigorous PA (MVPA) guidelines, meeting strength training guidelines, meeting both MVPA and strength training guidelines, participating in team sports, frequent walking) as outcomes.Results37%, 47%, 40% and 21% of participants reported lifetime symptoms of panic disorder, social phobia, GAD, and agoraphobia, respectively. In multivariable logistic regression, participants who endorsed lifetime GAD symptoms were statistically significantly less likely to meet MVPA guidelines (OR 0.5, 95% CI 0.4–0.8, p < 0.05), and MVPA and strength training guidelines (OR 0.7, 95% CI 0.5–1.0, p < 0.05). Those with agoraphobia symptoms were more likely to walk frequently [OR (95% CI) = 1.6 (1.1, 2.3)].ConclusionPA interventions may need to be tailored to people who have experienced specific anxiety symptoms to maximize adherence to PA recommendations, and increase the potential for health benefits from PA participation.     

Associations between physical activity and mental health and behaviour in early adolescence

BackgroundWe examined associations between objectively-measured physical activity, depressive-symptoms, and emotional and behavioural difficulties in adolescents from a UK cohort.MethodData from 4755 participants (45% male) from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) with physical activity assessed by accelerometry at age 11 was analysed. Indication of depressive symptoms (Short Moods and Feelings questionnaire) were obtained from parental reports at age 11 and self-reports at age 13. Behavioural and emotional problems were assessed by parents and teachers at age 11 and 13 using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ).ResultsAt age 11, males averaged 29 minutes (SD = 17) of daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) compared with 18 minutes (SD = 12) among females. Higher MVPA at age 11 was associated with decreased depressive-symptoms in females at age 11 after adjusting for confounders. Among males, a positive change in MVPA between the ages of 11 and 13 was associated with a reduction in depressive symptoms. Negative associations were also found between MVPA at age 11 and the emotional symptoms scale of the SDQ at age 11 and age 13 in females. Higher MVPA predicted a decreased score on the hyperactivity subscale of the SDQ at 11 and 13 for both sexes. All effect sizes were small.ConclusionsHigher MVPA was associated with reduced depressive symptoms, behavioural and emotional-difficulties in early adolescence, however the magnitude of effects was small. Efforts to support MVPA in this age group are therefore warranted.     

A prospective study of screen time in adolescence and depression symptoms in young adulthood

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to examine the association between screen time in adolescence and depressive symptoms in young adulthood in a population-based cohort study of Danish adolescents.MethodsData were from a cohort of adolescents who were followed-up in young adulthood for a period of up to 12 years (1997–2010, mean 8.8 years, n = 435). Information on television viewing, computer use, total screen time and other determinants of depression were obtained in adolescence. Depressive symptoms were obtained in young adulthood using the Major Depression Inventory (MDI) and classified as mild, moderate or severe depression. Mixed regression models were used to examine the associations, with adjustment for major confounders.ResultsIn multivariable adjusted analyses, each additional hour/day spent watching television or screen viewing in adolescence was associated with 1.36 (95% CI 0.73–1.98) and 1.05 (95% CI 0.50–1.60), respectively, greater MDI depression summary score in young adulthood (p < 0.001). In logistic regression models, each additional hour/day spent watching television or screen viewing was associated with 1.64 (95% CI 1.18–2.27) and 1.58 (95% CI 1.18–2.12), respectively, greater odds of prevalent depression in young adulthood, and dose–response relationships were indicated. Additional adjustment for either cardiorespiratory fitness or BMI did not materially change the results. No significant associations were observed between adolescent computer use and depressive symptoms in young adulthood.ConclusionsLimiting screen time, particularly television viewing, during adolescence may be important for preventing depression in young adulthood.     

Sport participation in high school and anxiety symptoms in young adulthood

The longitudinal associations between sport participation and symptoms of four anxiety sub-types (panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social phobia, agoraphobia) were assessed. Participants (n = 781; 45% male; M_age = 20.34 ± 0.71 years) provided data on sport participation over five years of high school and measures of anxiety three years post high school. Sport participation was analyzed both as the total number of years playing sports over five years and the number of years playing team or individual sports. In logistic regression analyses, number of years playing sports was associated with fewer panic disorder and agoraphobia symptoms in young adulthood. Further, number of years playing team sports was associated with fewer symptoms of panic and agoraphobia, while number of years playing individual sports was associated with fewer social phobia symptoms. The results suggest that consistent involvement in sport during high school is beneficial for mental health. Furthermore, this study emphasizes the importance of studying each anxiety symptom subtype as a unique outcome.     

Prospective COVID-19 related changes in physical activity and sedentary time and associations with symptoms of depression and anxiety

ProblemThe COVID-19 pandemic is associated with psychological distress. Decreased moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and increased sedentary time may be exacerbating pandemic-related symptoms of anxiety and depression, but existing studies exploring these associations are almost entirely cross-sectional.MethodsReported data from 2018 and Summer 2020 were used to create change categories based on compliance with MVPA guidelines and relative sedentary time. Participants completed the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) in Summer 2020. Associations among changes in MVPA and sedentary time (separately and jointly) with psychological distress (total PHQ-4 score) were examined with ordinal logistic regression and associations with depressive or anxiety symptoms were examined with logistic regression.ResultsAmong 2,240 participants (65% women, mean age 57.5 years), 67% increased sedentary time and 21% became inactive between the two time points. After multivariate adjustment, participants who became (OR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.05–2.78) or remained inactive (OR = 2.07, 1.34–3.22) were more likely to experience depressive symptoms compared to those who remained active. Participants who increased sedentary time were also more likely to experience depressive symptoms compared to those who maintained sedentary time (OR = 1.78, 1.13–2.81). Jointly, those who increased sedentary time while remaining (OR = 3.67, 1.83–7.38) or becoming inactive (OR = 3.02, 1.44–6.34) were much more likely to have depressive symptoms compared to the joint referent (remained active/maintained sedentary time). Associations with anxiety symptoms were not statistically significant.ConclusionsThese findings support the value of promoting MVPA and limiting sedentary time during stressful events associated with psychological distress, like the COVID-19 pandemic.     

Bidirectional Associations between Handgrip Strength and Depressive Symptoms: A Longitudinal Cohort Study

ObjectivesThis study aimed to examine the bidirectional associations between handgrip strength and depressive symptoms in a nationally representative sample.DesignCohort study with a 4-year follow-up.Setting and ParticipantsA total of 13,208 participants from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study were included in the analyses.MethodsDepressive symptoms were assessed using the 10-item Center for Epidemiological Studies–Depression Scale. Separate generalized estimating equations were used to analyze the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between handgrip strength and depressive symptoms. Restricted cubic spline models were performed to explore the shape of the dose-response relationship.ResultsDecreased handgrip strength was related to subsequent increased risk of depressive symptoms, such that participants in the lowest quartile of handgrip strength were found to have an approximately 36% increased in their risk of depressive symptoms compared with those in the highest quartile [odds ratio (OR) 1.36, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17, 1.58]. There was a linear dose-response relationship between handgrip strength and risk of depressive symptoms (P_nonlinearity = .25), in that a 5-unit increment in handgrip strength may lead to an 11% decrease in the risk of depressive symptoms (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.85, 0.92). Conversely, depressive symptoms were prospectively associated with subsequent decreased handgrip strength (β = −0.84, 95% CI –1.13, −0.55). An approximatively L-shaped dose-response pattern was found for the association between depressive symptoms level and handgrip strength (P_nonlinearity = .02).Conclusions and ImplicationsThe present study identified bidirectional associations between handgrip strength and depressive symptoms, and the associations were found to have a dose-response pattern. It provides important insights into integrated mental and physical health intervention strategies that simultaneously promote handgrip strength and depressive symptoms.     

One Meaning for Two Persons: An Actor-Partner Interdependence Model Analysis of Meaning in Life,Anxiety, and Depression Among Rehabilitation Patients and Caregivers

ObjectivePatients and caregivers in the inpatient physical rehabilitation setting are presented with life-changing medical conditions, and their meaning in life can change dramatically. Meaning in life is associated with fewer depressive and anxiety symptoms, but little is known about how they are related interdependently among patients and caregivers. In the current study, we aim to explore their dyadic relationships.DesignActor-partner interdependence model through structural equation modeling for dyadic analyses.Setting and ParticipantsA total of 160 pairs of patients and caregivers recruited from 6 inpatient rehabilitation hospitals in China.MethodsCross-sectional surveys were conducted among pairs of rehabilitation patients and caregivers. The presence of and search for meaning were measured with the Meaning in Life Questionnaire.ResultsIn 2 separate models, we found that patients' presence of meaning was negatively associated with their own depression (β = −0.61, P < .001) and anxiety (β = −0.55, P < .001), as well as their caregivers' depression (β = −0.32, P < .001) and anxiety (β = −0.31, P < .001). However, the caregivers’ presence of meaning was only negatively associated with their own depression (β = −0.25, P < .05) and anxiety (β = −0.21, P < .05). A search for meaning was not significantly associated with depression or anxiety.Conclusions and ImplicationsThe results indicate that the anxiety and depressive symptoms of rehabilitation inpatients and caregivers are associated with their own level of presence of meaning. Caregivers' depression and anxiety are interdependently associated with patients' presence of meaning. Clinicians should take dyadic interdependence into consideration when providing psychological services to rehabilitate patients and their caregivers. Meaning-centered interventions can be helpful for the dyads’ meaning-making and mental health.     

Physical activity characteristics and depressive symptoms in older Latino adults

BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) has been consistently associated with fewer depressive symptoms in observational and intervention studies. Emphasis on leisure-time PA, reliance on self report measures of PA, and lack of inclusion of racial/ethnic minority populations have contributed to uncertainty regarding the minimal and optimal dose (minutes/day), intensity (i.e., light, moderate, or vigorous), bout duration (i.e., incidental vs. 10-min bouts), and domain (i.e., leisure-time, occupational, and household) of PA for reducing and preventing depressive symptoms across diverse populations.PurposeTo investigate the relationship between PA characteristics (i.e., dose, intensity, bout duration, and domain) and depressive symptoms in older Latinos using both objective and subjective measures of PA.MethodsOlder Latinos (n = 174) completed questionnaires and wore accelerometers for seven days. Accelerometer output provided daily minutes of sedentary, light, and moderate-vigorous PA (MVPA) overall and in 10-min bouts. The Community Healthy Activity Model Program for Seniors (CHAMPS) questionnaire provided daily minutes of leisure-time PA, household PA, and sedentary activities. Hierarchical linear regression analysis was used to predict Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) score.ResultsAfter controlling for established correlates of depressive symptoms (i.e., demographics, acculturation, and health characteristics), MVPA in ≥10-min bouts independently predicted fewer depressive symptoms (β = ?.231, ΔR2 = .052, p ≤ .01) and household PA greater depressive symptoms (β = .263, ΔR2 = .056, p ≤ .001).ConclusionsResults suggest that PA intensity, bout duration, and domain influence the strength and direction of the relationship between PA and depressive symptoms in older Latino adults.     

Depressive symptoms and their relationship with endogenous reproductive hormones and sporadic anovulation in premenopausal women

PurposeTo determine whether depressive symptoms are associated with ovulation or reproductive hormone concentrations in eumenorrheic women without a reported diagnosis of clinical depression.MethodsA prospective cohort of 248 regularly menstruating women, aged 18 to 44 years (27.3 ± 8.2) were evaluated for depressive symptoms at baseline using the 20-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D) scale and categorized dichotomously (<16, no depressive symptoms [92%] vs. ≥16, depressive symptoms [8%]). Serum concentrations of estradiol, progesterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone were measured up to eight times per cycle for up to two menstrual cycles. Linear mixed models estimated associations between depressive symptoms and hormone concentrations, whereas generalized linear mixed models assessed their relationship with sporadic anovulation.ResultsNo significant associations were identified between depressive symptoms and reproductive hormone levels (all P > .05) or the odds of sporadic anovulation (adjusted odds ratio, 1.1; 95% confidence interval, [0.02–5.0]), after adjusting for age, race, body mass index, perceived stress level, and alcohol consumption.ConclusionsDespite reported associations between mental health and menstrual cycle dysfunction, depressive symptoms were not associated with reproductive hormone concentrations or sporadic anovulation in this cohort of regularly menstruating women with no recent (within 1 year) self-reported history of clinical depression.     

Physical activity,sedentary behaviour and physical self-perceptions in adolescent girls: A mediation analysis

ObjectiveFew studies have examined the relationship between sedentary behaviour (SB) and mental well-being. This study assessed whether SB is associated with physical self-perceptions, independent of participation in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Previous studies in this area simultaneously entered measures of SB and MVPA as predictors in regression models. In a novel approach, this study used mediation analyses to avoid problems of collinearity between SB and MVPA.DesignCross-sectional.SettingSchool-based.MethodAdolescent females (N = 238) used validated instruments to self-report time spent in SB and MVPA on the previous day, and to provide ratings for physical self-perceptions. Where a self-perception variable was associated with SB, Baron and Kenny's method was used to test if the relationship was mediated by MVPA.ResultsThere were small direct associations between SB and two self-perceptions, which were not mediated by MVPA: ‘sports competence’ (?.022) and ‘physical conditioning’ (?.023). There was also a negative association between SB and perceived ‘physical strength’, which, by contrast, was mediated by MVPA.ConclusionResults for selected self-perceptions indicate that SB may be important to aspects of mental well-being independent of MVPA engagement. Future studies should use longitudinal and prospective designs to (a) assess the causality and direction of associations between SB and self-perceptions; (b) explore how individual SBs relate to self-perceptions; and (c) establish if the magnitude of these associations is clinically relevant.     

Adolescent Consumption of Sports and Energy Drinks: Linkages to Higher Physical Activity,Unhealthy Beverage Patterns,Cigarette Smoking,and Screen Media Use

ObjectiveTo examine patterns of adolescent sports and energy drink (SED) consumption and identify behavioral correlates.DesignData were drawn from Eating and Activity in Teens, a population-based study.SettingAdolescents from 20 middle and high schools in Minneapolis/St Paul, MN completed classroom-administered surveys.ParticipantsA total of 2,793 adolescents (53.2% girls) in grades 6–12.Variables MeasuredBeverage patterns; breakfast frequency; moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA); media use; sleep; and cigarette smoking.AnalysisLinear and logistic regression models were used to estimate associations between health behaviors and SED consumption, adjusting for demographics.ResultsOver a third of adolescents consumed sports drinks and 14.7% consumed energy drinks at least once a week. Among boys and girls, both sports and energy drink consumption were related to higher video game use; sugar-sweetened beverage and fruit juice intake; and smoking (P < .05). Sports drink consumption was also significantly related to higher MVPA and organized sport participation for both genders (P < .01).Conclusions and ImplicationsAlthough sports drink consumption was associated with higher MVPA, adolescents should be reminded of recommendations to consume these beverages only after vigorous, prolonged activity. There is also a need for future interventions designed to reduce SED consumption, to address the clustering of unhealthy behaviors.     

Physical activity and self-reported sleep quality in adults with multiple sclerosis

BackgroundThere is a fourfold higher prevalence of sleep problems in multiple sclerosis (MS) than the general population.ObjectiveThis study examined cross-sectional associations among device-measured sedentary and physical activity behavior with perceived sleep quality in adults with MS.MethodsAdults with MS (N = 290) completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and wore an accelerometer for seven days providing a measure of time spent in sedentary behavior, light physical activity (LPA), and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) using MS-specific cut-points. We conducted multiple linear regression analysis to identify the independent contributions of variables for explaining PSQI scores.ResultsThe overall model accounted for 2% of the variance in global PSQI scores, and MVPA was significantly and independently associated with global PSQI scores (β = ─0.123; p = 0.045; partial r = ─0.118) when accounting for average wear time, sedentary behavior, and time spent in LPA. There were no other significant associations with PSQI global score.ConclusionsOur results suggest that time spent in MVPA may be associated with better sleep quality in adults with MS, but adults with MS do not spend sufficient time in physical activity. Researchers should evaluate these relationships in longitudinal study designs and behavior change interventions, as physical activity may provide a unique opportunity to improve sleep quality outcomes.     

Temporal Relationship Between Depressive Symptoms and Cognition in Mid and Late Life: A Longitudinal Cohort Study

ObjectivesTo examine the bidirectional temporal relationship between depressive symptoms and cognition in relation to risk, reaction, and prodrome.DesignCross-lag analysis of longitudinal data collected online at baseline and 12-month follow-up.Setting and ParticipantsA United Kingdom population cohort of 11,855 participants aged 50 years and over.MeasuresPatient Health Questionnaire-9 (depressive symptoms), cognitive measures: Paired Associate Learning, Verbal Reasoning, Spatial Working Memory, and Digit Span.ResultsDepressive symptoms predicted a decline in paired associates learning [β = −.020, P = .013, (95% confidence interval [CI], ‒.036, −.004)] and verbal reasoning [β = −.014, P = .016, (95% CI ‒.025, −.003)] but not vice versa. Depressive symptoms predicted [β = −.043, P < .001, (95% CI ‒.060, −.026); β = −.029, P < .001, (95% CI ‒.043, −.015)] and were predicted by [β = −.030, P = < .001, (95% CI ‒.047, −.014); β = −.025, P = .003, (95% CI ‒.041, −.009)], a decline in spatial working memory and verbal digit span, respectively.Conclusions and ImplicationsDepressive symptoms may be either a risk factor or prodrome for cognitive decline. In addition, a decline in attention predicts depressive symptoms. Clinical implications and implications for further research are discussed.     

Is physical inactivity associated with depressive symptoms among adolescents with high screen time? Evidence from a developing country

BackgroundIncreasing levels of screen use and physical inactivity in developing countries may be deleterious for adolescent mental health. This study aimed to examine how physical inactivity is associated with concurrent depressive symptoms among adolescents with high recreational screen time in Bangladesh.MethodsA self-administered survey was conducted among 898 secondary school students of Dhaka city, Bangladesh. High screen-time was assessed using the Adolescent Sedentary Activity Questionnaire (ASAQ), with a cut-off of >2 h/day. Scores ≥10 on the 10-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CESD10) suggested depressive symptoms. The Three-Day Physical Activity Recall (3DPAR) instrument was used to estimate physical activity, with those doing ≤60 min/day of moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) classified as not meeting MVPA recommendations. Of the 599 adolescents who were determined to have high recreational screen time (>2 h/day), 505 completed the CESD10, and form the basis for this analysis.ResultsOf the adolescents with high recreational screen time, 32% did not meet MVPA recommendations and 25% reported depressive symptoms. Generalized estimating equations modelling on CESD scores showed that depressive symptoms were more prevalent among adolescents with high screen time who also did not meet MVPA recommendations (OR 2.37; 95% CI: 1.23–4.59), after adjusting for a set of confounders including sociodemographic, psychosocial and lifestyle factors.ConclusionsAdolescents in Dhaka city with high recreational screen time and not meeting physical activity recommendations are also likely to have depressive symptoms. More research is needed to understand the causal directions of these relationships.     

Frailty Predicts New and Persistent Depressive Symptoms Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Findings From Singapore Longitudinal Aging Study

ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine the cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships between physical frailty at baseline and depressive symptoms at baseline and at follow-up.DesignFour-year prospective study.SettingCommunities in the South East Region of Singapore.ParticipantsWe analyzed data of 1827 older Chinese adults aged 55 and above in the Singapore Longitudinal Aging Study-I.MeasurementsThe frailty phenotype (based on Fried criteria) was determined at baseline, depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale ≥5) at baseline and follow-ups at 2 and 4 years.ResultsThe mean age of the population was 65.9 (standard deviation 7.26). At baseline, 11.4% (n = 209) had depressive symptoms, 32.4% (n = 591) were prefrail and 2.5% (n = 46) were frail. In cross-sectional analysis of baseline data, the adjusted odds ratios (OR)s and 95% confidence intervals controlling for demographic, comorbidities, and other confounders were 1.69 (1.23–2.33) for prefrailty and 2.36 (1.08–5.15) for frailty, (P for linear trend <.001). In longitudinal data analyses, prospective associations among all participants were: prefrail: OR = 1.86 (1.08–3.20); frail: OR = 3.09 (1.12–8.50); (P for linear trend = .009). Among participants free of depressive symptoms at baseline, similar prospective associations were found: prefrail OR = 2.26 (1.12–4.57); frail: OR = 3.75 (1.07–13.16); (P for linear trend = .009).ConclusionThese data support a significant role of frailty as a predictor of depression in a relatively younger old Chinese population. Further observational and interventional studies should explore short-term dynamic and bidirectional associations and the effects of frailty reversal on depression risk.     

Social Isolation and Loneliness as Risk Factors for Grip Strength Decline Among Older Women and Men in China

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to examine the relationships of social isolation and loneliness, both individually and simultaneously, on changes in grip strength among Chinese older adults and whether these relations vary by gender.DesignA 4-year prospective observational study.Setting and ParticipantsThis study used data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Analyses were conducted with data from 2 waves (2011 and 2015) and were restricted to those respondents aged 50 and older [n = 7025, mean age (SD) = 61.46 (7.59); male, 48.4%].MethodsSocial isolation, loneliness, and grip strength were measured at baseline. Follow-up measures of grip strength were obtained 4 years later. Multiple linear regression was used to evaluate the associations among baseline isolation, loneliness, and decline of grip strength between 2 waves after adjustment for age, gender, education, body mass index, chronic diseases, smoking and drinking status, activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental ADL disabilities, and depressive symptoms.ResultsFor women, baseline loneliness (β = 0.04, P = .035) rather than isolation (β = 0.03, P = .110) significantly predicted grip strength decline after 4 years when other confounding variables were taken into account. For men, baseline isolation (β = 0.05, P = .005) rather than loneliness (β = 0.01, P = .570) significantly predicted grip strength decline. No synergistic effect of isolation and loneliness on grip strength was found for either women or men.Conclusions and ImplicationsIn this prospective study, gender differences were found for the associations of social isolation and loneliness with grip strength decline. Our results suggest that older women and men may benefit from different social enhancement strategies for prevention of physical function decline.     

Family history and perceived risk of diabetes,cardiovascular disease,cancer, and depression

BackgroundFamily history is a useful and inexpensive tool to assess risks of multifactorial diseases. Family history enables individualized disease prevention, but its effects on perceived risks of various diseases need to be understood in more detail. We examined how family history relates to perceived risk of diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer, and depression, and whether these associations are independent of or moderated by sociodemographic factors, health behavior/weight status (smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, BMI [kg/m²]), or depressive symptoms.MethodsParticipants were Finnish 25–74-year-olds (N = 6258) from a population-based FINRISK 2007 study. Perceived absolute lifetime risks (Brewer et al., 2004; Becker, 1974; Weinstein and Nicolich, 1993; Guttmacher et al., 2004; Yoon et al., 2002) and first-degree family history of CVD, diabetes, cancer and depression, and health behaviors were self-reported. Weight and height were measured in a health examination.ResultsFamily history was most prevalent for cancer (36.7%), least for depression (19.6%). Perceived risk mean was highest for CVD (2.8), lowest for depression (2.0). Association between family history and perceived risk was strongest for diabetes (β = 0.34, P < 0.001), weakest for depression (β = 0.19, P < 0.001). Adjusting for sociodemographics, health behavior, and depressive symptoms did not change these associations. The association between family history and perceived risk tended to be stronger among younger than among older adults, but similar regardless of health behaviors or depressive symptoms.DiscussionAssociation between family history and perceived risk varies across diseases. People's current understandings on heritability need to be acknowledged in risk communication practices. Future research should seek to identify effective strategies to combine familial and genetic risk communication in disease prevention.     

Volume and social context of physical activity in association with mental health,anxiety and depression among youth

There is growing interest in physical activity (PA) to prevent mental disorders in youth. However, few studies examine the association between PA and mental health. Further, how PA volume and context relate to mental health and mental disorders remains unclear, especially among youth in transition to adulthood. This study examined the cross-sectional associations among PA volume and context, mental health, and symptoms of anxiety and depression in post-secondary students. A total of 1527 post-secondary students (97.4% were age 16–24 years) recruited in a CEGEP in Quebec, Canada completed a self-report questionnaire during class-time in October 2013. Multivariate linear regression was used to model the associations between PA volume and context and mental health, anxiety and depression controlling for sex, age and perceived socioeconomic status. Volume of moderate-to-vigorous leisure time PA (MVPA) was positively associated with mental health (β (95% CI) = 0.072 (0.045, 0.099)) and inversely associated with symptoms of anxiety (− 0.011 (− 0.020, − 0.001)) and depression (− 0.010 (− 0.017, − 0.003)). Volume including all PA intensities was associated with mental health (0.052 (0.028, 0.076)). After controlling for PA volume, active youth involved in team sports had better mental health than those who engaged in PA individually. PA volume and the social context of PA are independently associated with mental health among youth. MVPA is inversely associated with anxiety and depressive symptoms.