Domain-specific physical activity and its association with depression severity in older Korean adults: insights from the 2022 Korea national health and nutrition examination survey.

PURPOSE: Depression is a growing mental health issue among older adults in South Korea, where rapid population aging has intensified the need for effective preventive strategies. Although physical activity is recognized as a protective factor against depression, limited research has examined how specific physical activity domains relate to depression among older Korean adults. This study investigated the associations between occupational, recreational, and commuting-related physical activity and depression severity and evaluated the effects of activity intensity and sociodemographic factors.

METHODS

Data were drawn from the 2022 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and included 1,331 adults aged 65 or older. Depression severity was assessed using Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Physical activity levels were quantified using metabolic equivalent (MET-minute) thresholds. Data were statistically analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and ordinal logistic regression.

RESULTS

Of the participants, 85.27% reported no depression, while 14.73% experienced mild to severe symptoms. Chi-square analysis showed that vigorous-intensity occupational activity and moderate-intensity recreational activity were significantly associated with depression severity (p < 0.05). However, in the ordinal logistic regression model adjusting for covariates, only vigorous occupational activity remained statistically significant (β = 1.651, OR = 5.21, p = 0.013). Gender, household income, and education were significant predictors, whereas self-rated health and commuting activity were not. The positive regression coefficient indicated that the participants engaging in vigorous-intensity occupational activity had higher odds of belonging to more severe depression categories.

CONCLUSION

These findings highlight the importance of designing tailored interventions for vulnerable subgroups, including older women individuals with a low socioeconomic status.