Domains and levels of physical activity are linked to mental health and wellbeing in deprived neighbourhoods: a cross-sectional study

Mason, P. , Curl, A. and Kearns, A. (2016) Domains and levels of physical activity are linked to mental health and wellbeing in deprived neighbourhoods: a cross-sectional study. Mental Health and Physical Activity, 11, pp. 19-28. (doi: 10.1016/j.mhpa.2016.07.001)

Abstract

Although relationships between participating in physical activity and positive mental health and wellbeing are well established, little is known about the relative contributions of the different domains of physical activity (PA) —household, occupational, active travel, leisure and sport, family activities)— to total PA and in turn to mental health and wellbeing. This is particularly important for deprived communities where PA is low and mental health and wellbeing poor. Using multivariate multilevel regression of cross-sectional survey data collected in 2011, we examined self-reported PA levels and the domains and diversity of sources of PA among 2654 residents of 32 deprived neighbourhoods in Glasgow, UK., and their associations with with measures of mental health, positive mental wellbeing, physical and general health. Household chores and active travel were the most commonly cited Pas. People achieving PA from family activities, and those doing more diverse PAs, had better mental wellbeing. Active travel was associated with the better mental wellbeing and mental health among the highly and moderately physically active, respectively. Highly active people who engaged in leisure-based PA had better mental health. Long-standing illness was associated with worse health scores, although mental wellbeing was ameliorated amongst those who did domestic or occupational PA. It is important to encourage greater diversity of PA in disadvantaged areas, including leisure and family activities and active travel for those out of work with low PA. Nevertheless, interventions aimed at managing long-term health conditions and providing employment may be of even greater importance.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This research was conducted as part of the Glasgow Community Health and Wellbeing (GoWell) Research and Learning Programme (www.gowellonline.com). GoWell is a collaborative partnership between the Glasgow Centre for Population Health, the University of Glasgow and the MRC/CSO Social & Public Health Sciences Unit. GoWell is sponsored by Glasgow Housing Association (Wheatley Group), the Scottish Government, NHS Health Scotland and NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Curl, Dr Angela and Kearns, Professor Ade and Mason, Dr Phil
• Authors: Mason, P., Curl, A., and Kearns, A.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Urban Studies; College of Social Sciences > School of Education > People, Place & Social Change
• Journal Name: Mental Health and Physical Activity
• Publisher: Elsevier Ltd
• ISSN: 1755-2966
• ISSN (Online): 1878-0199
• Published Online: 25 July 2016
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2016 Elsevier
• First Published: First published in Mental Health and Physical Activity 11:19-28
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher