Differential impact of physical activity type on depression in adults with congenital heart disease: A multi-center international study

Jong Mi Ko, Kamila S White, Adrienne H Kovacs, Adrienne H Kovacs, Kristen M Tecson, Silke Apers, Koen Luyckx, Corina Thomet, Werner Budts, Junko Enomoto, Maayke A Sluman, Jou-Kou Wang, Jamie L Jackson, Paul Khairy, Stephen C Cook, Shanthi Chidambarathanu, Luis Alday, Katrine Eriksen, Mikael Dellborg, Mikael DellborgMalin Berghammer, Malin Berghammer, Bengt Johansson, Andrew S Mackie, Samuel Menahem, Maryanne Caruana, Gruschen Veldtman, Alexandra Soufi, Susan M Fernandes, Edward Callus, Shelby Kutty, Philip Moons, Philip Moons, Ari M Cedars

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objective
This study aimed to examine the association between physical activity (PA) and depression in a large international cohort of adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) as data about the differential impact of PA type on depression in this population are lacking.

Methods
In 2018, we conducted a cross-sectional assessment of 3908 ACHD recruited from 24 ACHD-specialized centers in 15 countries between April 2013 to March 2015. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used to assess self-reported depressive symptoms and the Health-Behavior Scale-Congenital Heart Disease was used to collect PA information. Cochran-Armitage tests were performed to assess trends between depressive symptom levels and PA participation. Chi-Square and Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests were utilized to examine relations between depressive symptom levels and patient characteristics. Stepwise multivariable models were then constructed to understand the independent impact of PA on depressive symptoms.

Results
The overall prevalence of elevated depressive symptoms in this sample was 12% with significant differences in rates between countries ( p < .001). Physically active individuals were less likely to be depressed than those who were sedentary. Of the 2 PA domains examined, sport participation rather than active commute was significantly associated with reduced symptoms of depression. After adjustment in multivariable analysis, sport participation was still significantly associated with 38% decreased probability of depressive symptoms ( p < .001).

Conclusions
Sport participation is independently associated with reduced depressive symptoms. The development and promotion of sport-related exercise prescriptions uniquely designed for ACHD may improve depression status in this unique population.

Original languageAmerican English
JournalJournal of Psychosomatic Research
Volume124
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1 2019

Keywords

  • Adult congenital heart disease
  • Depression
  • Perceived health
  • Physical activity
  • Prognosis

Disciplines

  • Psychology
  • Physical Therapy

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