Page No- 618-626
Peter Kremer
Deakin University, Australia
Fatemeh Moradi
University of Mumbai, Mumbai, India
Solomon Renati
Veer Wajekar Arts, Science and Commerce College, Navi Mumbai, India
Shreeletha Solomon
Institute for Child and Adolescent Health Research, Mumbai, India
Mental health is a significant global health concern. Elevated levels of depressive affect
predict negative mental health states including diagnosed depression. Many behaviours
are associated with depressive affect and two potentially modifiable behaviours are
active behaviours reflecting time spent in activities such as organised sport, recreational
activities and exercise programs and inactive behaviours reflecting leisure time spent
sitting idle, watching television or playing electronic/video games. This study examined
associations between active and inactive behaviours and depressive affect among
adolescents living in Navi Mumbai. A sample of 1,095 adolescents (46% male) aged
12-25 years (M=16.1 years, SD=2.1), from nine schools and colleges completed the
Adolescent Health and Wellbeing Questionnaire (AHWQ). Measures of total weekly
time spent in active and inactive behaviours were computed from relevant items.
Depressive affect (Depressive Mood Scale) scores ranged from 0-30 (M=7.2, SD=2.4)
and just under one third (31.2%) of respondents had scores indicating at least ‘some’
recent experience of depressive affect. Most (64%) respondents engaged in <5 hours
of activity each week and 15% reported ³14 hours engaged in inactive behaviours each
week. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that meeting the WHO physical
activity guidelines was associated with lower levels (b=-0.35, 95% CI: -0.66, -0.03) and
increases in inactive time was associated with higher levels (b=0.06, 95% CI: 0.03,
0.09) of depressive affect after controlling for age, gender, standard of living, religious
affiliation, caste, general health, as well as alcohol and drug use. The findings are
consistent with international studies highlighting relationships between active and
inactive behaviours and depressive affect. Longitudinal studies are needed to better
understand these relationships – especially in light of rapid changes in adolescent use
of technology and an increasing shift to more sedentary lifestyles in India.