International Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Open Access

Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, United States

Publications

• Research Article   
  Physical Activity and the Prevention of Depression: A Longitudinal Analysis of a South African Database
  Author(s): Seranne Motilal*, Mike Greyling, Karestan C. Koenen, Mosima Mabunda, Dan J. Stein and Martin Stepanek
  
  Background: Growing evidence suggests physical activity is a modifiable protective factor that may reduce risk of developing depression. However, research has predominantly come from high income settings, is often cross-sectional, may not address differences in levels of physical activity, and has not emphasized potential sex differences. Discovery is the largest private medical insurance provider in South Africa and its Health and Vitality database provides a unique resource for addressing these gaps. Methods: This retrospective cohort study consisted of deidentified health and physical activity data containing 49,397 unique individuals from the period 2013-2015. Participants were categorized by change in physical activity level after 3 years and depression incidence was compared among these cohorts. Propensity scores were used to account f.. View More»
  DOI: 10.35248/2329-9096.22.10.644

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