Physical activity and health outcomes among HIV-infected men who have sex with men: a longitudinal mediational analysis

Ann Behav Med. 2013 Oct;46(2):149-56. doi: 10.1007/s12160-013-9489-3.

Abstract

Background: Low physical activity is associated with depression, which may, in turn, negatively impact antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence among HIV-infected individuals; however, prior studies have not investigated the relationships between physical inactivity and ART non-adherence.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the association of physical inactivity, depression, ART non-adherence, and viral load in HIV-infected men who have sex with men.

Methods: The sample (N = 860) was from a large, multicenter cohort of HIV-infected patients engaged in clinical care.

Results: Across time, depression mediated the relationship between physical inactivity and ART non-adherence (γ = 0.075) and the relationship between physical inactivity and viral load (γ = 0.05). ART non-adherence mediated the relationship between depression and viral load (γ = 0.002) and the relationship between physical inactivity and viral load (γ = 0.009).

Conclusions: Low levels of physical activity predicted increased depression and poor ART adherence over time, which subsequently predicted higher viral load.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Depression / complications*
  • Depression / psychology*
  • HIV Infections / complications*
  • HIV Infections / psychology*
  • HIV Infections / virology
  • Health Status*
  • Homosexuality, Male / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Medication Adherence / psychology*
  • Motor Activity*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Viral Load