Investigating psychosocial and behavioural mediators of the relationship between physical activity and depressive symptoms in women from socioeconomically disadvantaged neighbourhoods

The journal regrets that the abstract of the original paper was missed in publication. Abstract Background The association between physical activity and depressive symptoms is dependent on the domain in which physical activity is undertaken. Yet, the underlying mechanisms explaining these differing associations are unknown. This study sought to investigate psychosocial and behavioural mediators of the relationship between domain-specific physical activity and depressive symptoms in women from socioeconomically disadvantaged neighbourhoods. Methods Participants were 1876 women aged 18-45 years, from socioeconomically disadvantaged neighbourhoods. Women self-reported physical activity in four domains (leisure-time, transport-related, occupational, domestic), depressive symptoms (CES-D 10), and psychosocial and behavioural factors, at two time points (2007/2008; 2010/2011). Mediation analysis estimated the contribution of each potential mediator to the relationship between baseline physical activity and depressive symptoms at follow-up. Results Self-efficacy mediated the relationship between physical activity and depressive symptoms, across all physical activity domains (leisure-time: β = −.018 [95% CI -.033, −.003], transport-related: β = −.007 [95% CI -.013, −.002], occupational: β = −.008 [95% CI -.016, −.002], domestic: β = −.004 [95% CI -.009, −.0002]). Enjoyment of physical activity also mediated relationships between leisure-time (β = −.016 [95% CI -.030, −.001]) and transport-related physical activity (β = −.003 [95% CI -.008, −.000]) and depression. Behavioural intentions mediated the relationship between leisure-time physical activity and depression only (β = −.012 [95% CI -.024, −.0002]). Discussion Physical activity interventions aimed at improving depressive symptoms should support self-efficacy, enjoyment, and behavioural intentions to maximise the benefit of physical activity. Keywords: physical activity; exercise; depressive symptoms; mental health; psychosocial factors; behavioural factors; mediators; women; socio-economic disadvantage. The journal would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Corrigendum to the Article - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mhpa.2024.100644