Physical activity and mental distress among people living with HIV are related: Evidence from a cross-sectional survey in Ogun State, Nigeria

Background

People living with HIV have disproportionately high levels of mental distress. Physical activity promotes physical well-being and mental health in diverse populations. Our study assessed the association between mental distress and the intensity, domains, and environment of physical activity in Nigeria.

Methods

Data was obtained, cross-sectionally, from 412 HIV-positive adults on mental health status, intensity, domain and environment for physical activity through structured interviews using closed-ended questionnaires. Data was summarized with counts and proportions and derived 95 % confidence intervals. Appropriate bivariate analyses (Chi-square and t-tests) were conducted, and clinically and statistically (p < 0.25) significant variables were included in a binary logistic regression analysis to test associations. The level of significance was set at 5 %.

Results

The study participants were mainly females (68.4 %), married (55.3 %), employed (69.4 %) and urban dwellers (65.0 %); and their mean age was 47.3 (10.3) years. Mental distress was prevalent (9.7 %; 95%CI: 7.0–13.0) and commoner among females (10.3 %) than males (8.5 %) (p = 0.562). Most participants engaged in low (40.5 %) and high-intensity (40.8 %) physical activity. High levels of physical activity were associated with a reduced likelihood of mental distress (AOR: 0.22, 95%CI 0.06–0.80; p = 0.021). Also, lower levels of engagement across all four physical activity domains were associated with an increased likelihood of mental distress (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

High levels of physical activity across all four domains may reduce the risk of mental distress and improve positive mental well-being. Therefore, efforts to incorporate physical exercises into HIV care may be beneficial.