Peer-Reviewed Journal Details
Mandatory Fields
McDowell C.;Gordon B.;MacDonncha C.;Herring M.
2019
July
General hospital psychiatry
Physical activity correlates among older adults with probable generalized anxiety disorder: Results from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing
Published
5 ()
Optional Fields
Cross-sectional Elderly Generalized anxiety Mental health Worry
59
30
36
© 2019 Objectives: This study assessed physical activity (PA) correlates among 1237 (69.0% female; age ¿ 50 years) community-dwelling adults with probable-generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Methods: Wave 1 data from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing were analysed. PA was measured using the short-form International PA Questionnaire. Probable-GAD caseness was indicated by a score of ¿23 on the abbreviated Penn State Worry Questionnaire. Potential correlates were analysed using binomial logistic regression. Hierarchical logistic regression consisting of three blocks (sociodemographic variables; quality of life (QoL) variables; physical health and performance variables) examined the proportion of the variance for PA that was explained at each step of the regression model. Results: Five hundred thirty-five participants (43.2%) met PA guidelines. After adjustment for age and sex, younger age and being male were associated with increased likelihood of meeting PA guidelines. Significant correlates of PA were in employment, higher QoL (CASP-19), social connectedness, and grip-strength. Additionally, polypharmacy (i.e., taking ¿five medications), antidepressant use, at-risk waist circumference (i.e., Males: >94 cm; Females >80 cm), up-and-go time, and number of self-reported physical limitations were significantly negatively associated with meeting PA guidelines. Physical health and performance variables explained significant variation (8.4%) in meeting physical activity guidelines beyond that of sociodemographics, and QoL variables. Conclusions: This study identified a range of sociodemographic, physical, and psychological variables that were associated with meeting or not meeting PA guidelines among older adults with probable-GAD.
0163-8343
10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2019.04.012
Grant Details