Objectively measured physical activity and mental health among asylum seekers residing in a camp

Abstract

Physical activity has been linked to better mental health in the general population but also migrants and displaced populations. Studies on the latter populations have been almost exclusively based on self-reported physical activity, thus providing a limited perspective. The purpose of this study was to explore the associations between objectively measured physical activity and mental health indices, in asylum seekers residing in a camp. Participants were asked to wear the accelerometers for a period of seven days, after which they were administered questionnaires assessing depression, anxiety, and well-being in their spoken language. Out of a total of 116 participants, 79 (49 women) accomplished the criteria for valid accelerometer wear days and wear hours and completed the questionnaires. The results showed that participants accumulated adequate, according to the recommendations of the World Health Organization, levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, reported mild to moderate anxiety and depression symptoms, and were marginally above the threshold of poor well-being. Physical activity and sedentary time predicted depression (adjusted R² = .11) and anxiety (adjusted R² = .08) symptoms, and levels of well-being (adjusted R² = .15). In particular, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was linked to lower depression and anxiety, and better well-being, while sedentary time was linked with poorer well-being. The findings provide valuable evidence regarding the links between physical activity and mental health in displaced populations and highlight the need for a multimethod examination of physical activity in such populations.