Physical activity correlates in people with anxiety: Data from 46 low- and middle-income countries

Objective: There is a lack of nationally-representative data on the correlates of physical activity (PA) among people with anxiety symptoms. Thus, we investigated PA correlates among community-dwelling adults with anxiety symptoms in 46 low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) using predominantly nationally-representative data. Method: Cross-sectional data from the World Health Survey were analysed. PA was assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and participants were dichotomised into those that do (>= 150 min moderate-vigorous PA) and do not (< 150 min) meet recommended PA weekly targets. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the correlates. Results: The analysis included 24,850 people with anxiety symptoms (43.3 +/- 16.6 years; 39.7% males). The prevalence of low PA was 33.1% (95% CI = 31.6%-34.6%). Older age [e.g., OR = 4.57 for age >= 65 vs. 18-24 years], not married/cohabiting (vs. married/cohabiting OR = 1.36), being in the richest quintile (vs. poorest OR = 1.41), unemployed (vs. employed OR = 2.18), inadequate vegetable consumption (vs. adequate OR = 1.66), and poor sleep/energy, worse cognition, pain/discomfort and mobility difficulties were all significant correlates of low PA. Conclusions: PA is associated with a range of factors among people with anxiety symptoms. Future interventions might target the identified correlates in order to facilitate people with anxiety to be more physically active.