The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #57922

Norbert Schmitz¹, Johannes Kruse¹, and Joachim Kugler². (1) Psychosomatic Medicine, Research Unit Public Mental Health, Heinrich-Heine-University, Duesseldorf, Germany, Bergische Landstr. 2 H19, D-40605 Duesseldorf, Germany, +49-221-9224723, schmitzn@uni-duesseldorf.de, (2) Public Health, Dresden Medical School, IMIB-Fetscherstr. 74, Dresden, 01307, Germany

Objectives. The present study examines the relationship between health-related quality of life, physical activity and mental disorders in a representative community sample. Methods. Analyses were conducted among participants in the German National Health Interview and Examination Survey, a nationally representative multistage probability survey, conducted from 1997 to 1999 (n=7124). Psychiatric diagnoses were assessed by a modified version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). Health-related quality-of-life domains were measured using the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Physical activity scores were derived from items regarding frequency of overall sport and exercise participation in the last three months. Results. Mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders were associated with substantial impairment in health related quality of life. Higher levels of physical activity were associated with higher health-rated quality of life among persons with mental disorders. Even after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, physically inactive subjects reported poorer quality of life. Conclusions. Physical activity can be considered as beneficial for people suffering from mental disorders. The promotion of a physically active lifestyle is an important public health objective.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the presentation, the participant should be informed about the associations between physical exercises, health related quality of life, and mental disorders in a representative community sample.

Keywords: Mental Illness, Epidemiology

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.