Perceived barriers, benefits and correlates of physical activity in outpatients with Major Depressive Disorder: A study from Brazil

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the barriers, benefits and correlates of physical activity (PA) in outpatients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).

Methods: Data were collected from outpatients under treatment for MDD at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. Barriers and benefits were assessed with the Exercise Barriers/Benefits Scale (EBBS). Objective and self-reported PA were assessed with pedometers and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), respectively.

Results: The sample consisted of 65 outpatients (82% female; mean age = 50.9 years; SD = 10.1). Improvement in physical performance was the most reported benefit (mean = 3.00; SD = 0.3) while the most reported barrier was physical exertion (mean = 2.95; SD = 0.4). Depression symptom severity was negatively correlated with life enhancement (r = -0.337; p = 0.009), physical performance (r=-0.348; p = 0.007), psychological outlook (r=-0.364; p = 0.005), social interaction (r=-0.317; p = 0.015) and preventive health (r=-0.352; p = 0.007).

Conclusion: Physical exertion is the most perceived barrier for PA in people with MDD. Symptom severity is associated with higher barrier levels, whilst higher current PA levels are associated with more benefits and lesser barriers. Interventions targeting PA promotion should consider the identified benefits and barriers when developing PA programs for people with MDD in outpatient settings.

Keywords: Barriers; Benefits; Correlates; Major Depressive Disorder; Physical Activity.