Peter Kremer Solomon Renati Shreeletha Solomon
Deakin University Veer Wajekar Arts, Science and Institute for Child and
Australia Commerce College, Navi Mumbai Adolescent Health Research,
Mumbai,
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 1,095adolescents (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 ≥14 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.