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Association between Depressive Symptoms, Physical Activity, and Health Factors in Hispanic Emerging Adults

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  • Margaret Gutierrez

    (Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA)

  • Cristina Palacios

    (Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA)

  • Vijaya Narayanan

    (Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA)

  • Florence George

    (College of Arts, Sciences and Education, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA)

  • Sabrina Sales Martinez

    (Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA)

Abstract

Physical activity is a modifiable lifestyle behavior known for reducing symptoms of and being a risk factor for depression and mental health disorders. However, emerging adults (ages 18–25) struggle to meet recommended amounts. In this study, we explore the association between physical activity, depressive symptoms, and health factors in 137 Hispanic emerging adults. Using a cross-sectional survey design, sociodemographic information, depressive symptoms (CES-D score), physical activity (IPAQ score), body composition, and blood pressure measures were obtained. Statistical analyses included correlation and regression analyses. More than half of the participants demonstrated depressive symptomology (59.1%) and body fat percentage greater than 25% (64.2%). Body fat percentage, lean body mass, stress, and heart rate demonstrated notable associations with depressive symptoms and physical activity. When measured continuously and categorically, IPAQ was not a significant predictor of depressive symptoms. When used as a binary variable with a cutoff of 600 MET min/week, IPAQ score revealed a negative relationship with CES-D score ( β = −0.169, SE = 2.748, p = 0.034). Our results indicate that a threshold of physical activity, 600 MET min/week, may confer protective effects against depressive symptoms. Future research should investigate the context and quality of physical activity to address mental health disparities in this underrepresented population.

Suggested Citation

  • Margaret Gutierrez & Cristina Palacios & Vijaya Narayanan & Florence George & Sabrina Sales Martinez, 2024. "Association between Depressive Symptoms, Physical Activity, and Health Factors in Hispanic Emerging Adults," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(7), pages 1-15, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:7:p:918-:d:1434906
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Grainne O’Donoghue & Aileen Kennedy & Anna Puggina & Katina Aleksovska & Christoph Buck & Con Burns & Greet Cardon & Angela Carlin & Donatella Ciarapica & Marco Colotto & Giancarlo Condello & Tara Cop, 2018. "Socio-economic determinants of physical activity across the life course: A "DEterminants of DIet and Physical ACtivity" (DEDIPAC) umbrella literature review," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 13(1), pages 1-24, January.
    2. Alice Mannocci & Valeria D’Egidio & Insa Backhaus & Antonio Federici & Alessandra Sinopoli & Andrea Ramirez Varela & Paolo Villari & Giuseppe La Torre, 2020. "Are There Effective Interventions to Increase Physical Activity in Children and Young People? An Umbrella Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-11, May.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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