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Physical activity correlates in young women with depressive symptoms: a qualitative study

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 07:38 authored by Azar, D, Ball, K, Salmon, J, Verity ClelandVerity Cleland
Background: Young women are at high risk for developing depression and participation in physical activity may prevent or treat the disorder. However, the influences on physical activity behaviors of young women with depression are not well understood. The aim of this study was to gather in-depth information about the correlates of physical activity among young women with and without depressive symptoms. Methods: A sample of 40 young women (aged 18-30 years), 20 with depressive symptoms (assessed using the CES-D 10) and 20 without depressive symptoms participated in one-on-one semi-structured interviews. A socialecological framework was used, focusing on the individual, social and physical environmental influences on physical activity. Thematic analyses were performed on transcribed interview data. Results: The results indicated several key themes that were unique to women with depressive symptoms. These women more often described negative physical activity experiences during their youth, more barriers to physical activity, participating in more spontaneous than planned activity, lower self-efficacy for physical activity and being influenced by their friends’ and family’s inactivity. Conclusions: Interventions designed to promote physical activity in this important target group should consider strategies to reduce/overcome early life negative experiences, engage support from family and friends and plan for activity in advance.

History

Publication title

The International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity

Volume

7

Pagination

2-11

ISSN

1479-5868

Department/School

Menzies Institute for Medical Research

Publisher

BioMed Central Ltd.

Place of publication

United Kingdom

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Behaviour and health

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