Physical activity and depression symptoms among pregnant women from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2006

Abstract

Objective: To examine the association between objectively measured physical activity and depression symptoms among a nationally representative sample of pregnant women to provide a more accurate understanding of the relationship between physical activity and depression symptoms.

Design: We employed a cross-sectional study design.

Setting: Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2006 were used for this study.

Methods: One-hundred and forty-one pregnant women wore an ActiGraph accelerometer for 7 days and completed the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 to assess depression status.

Results: More than 19% of the participants experienced some depression symptoms, and compared to their counterparts not having depression symptoms, they were less physically active.

Conclusion: An inverse association was found between physical activity and depression symptoms among pregnant women. When feasible, nurses are encouraged to help facilitate physical activity among pregnant women, assuming an uncomplicated pregnancy.