High Sedentary Behavior Is Associated with Depression among Rural South Africans

Hopping on the sedentary lifestyle train may drive up the risk of depression in men and women.

This study looked at how sedentary behaviors affect an individual's chances of having depression. With the aid validated lifestyle and health questionnaires, researcher collated and examined data on the level of physical activity and incidence of symptoms of depression among 4,782 South Africans living in rural areas.

Researchers found high prevalence of depression among participants living a sedentary lifestyle. The findings of this study revealed that adopting a lifestyle devoid of physical activity may increase an individual's predisposition to depression.