The Synergetic Impact of Physical Activity and Fruit and Vegetable Consumption on the Risk of Depression in Taiwanese Adults

Li-Yun Fann, Shi-Hao Huang, Yao-Ching Huang, Chin-Fu Chen, Chien-An Sun, Bing-Long Wang, Wu-Chien Chien and Chieh-Hua Lu
Additional contact information
Li-Yun Fann: Department of Nursing, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei 10341, Taiwan
Shi-Hao Huang: Department of Medical Research, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei 11490, Taiwan
Yao-Ching Huang: Department of Medical Research, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei 11490, Taiwan
Chin-Fu Chen: Amed Advanced Medication Co., Ltd., New Taipei City 24890, Taiwan
Chien-An Sun: Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 24206, Taiwan
Bing-Long Wang: School of Public Health, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan
Wu-Chien Chien: Department of Medical Research, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei 11490, Taiwan
Chieh-Hua Lu: Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 12, 1-12

Abstract: Background: This research focused on the association between physical activity and fruit-vegetable intake and the risk of depression in middle aged and older Taiwanese adults. Methods: Data were obtained from the 1999 to 2015 datasets of the Taiwan Longitudinal Survey on Aging (TLSA), and 4400 participants were included in 1999 (aged ≥53 years). Descriptive statistics provided all of the basic characteristic variables. A chi-square test analyzed the association between sex, age, years of education, marriage, hypertension, drinking, smoking, and the incidence of depression. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine significant associations between physical activity and fruit-vegetable intake, and the presence or absence of depression after 16 years. Results: Combined high physical activity and fruit-vegetable intake reduced the risk of depression by 80% (OR = 0.20, 95% CI = 0.10–0.45, p = 0.001) compared to low physical activity and fruit-vegetable intake; high physical activity and moderate or low fruit-vegetable intake caused a 70% reduction (OR = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.15–0.63, p = 0.005). High fruit-vegetable intake and low physical activity caused a 65% reduction (OR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.15–0.63, p = 0.005), compared to low physical activity and low fruit-vegetable intake. High physical activity alone caused a 40% reduction, which is the same as by high fruit-vegetable intake alone. Conclusions: Fruit-vegetable intake combined with physical activity was negatively correlated with the risk of depression. More fruit-vegetable intake and physical activity might reduce this risk. The results highlight the importance of physical activity and fruit-vegetable consumption for middle-aged and older adults to prevent depression.

Keywords: depression; older adults; leisure-time physical activity; fruit and vegetable consumption (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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