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

BackgroundPeople 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.MethodsData 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%.ResultsThe 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).ConclusionHigh 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. 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. 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%. 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). 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.