The moderated mediating effect of physical activity restriction in the relationship between chronic disease, depression, and quality of life in middle age

• Published in: Journal of affective disorders reports 2024-04, Vol.16, p.100746, Article 100746
• Main Authors: Choi, Sumi, Yoo, Inwha, An, Sohyun, Cho, Ahyoung
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chronic diseases; Depression; Middle age; Physical activity restrictions; Quality of life
• ISSN: 2666-9153; 2666-9153
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jadr.2024.100746

•Middle-aged Koreans’ quality of life must be supported in a global aging society.•Chronic disease, depression, and physical activity affect QOL in middle age.•Early management of chronic diseases is recommended to improve quality of life.•Physical activity may improve quality of life in middle age. Since middle-aged adults comprise the largest portion of the Korean population, improving their quality of life can be related to the quality of life of the entire population. This study aimed to investigate the moderated mediating effect of physical activity restrictions on the relationship between chronic disease, depression, and quality of life in middle-aged Koreans. Secondary data analysis was conducted on the dataset of the 2020 National Health and Nutrition Survey. Data from 1,487 of the original 7,359 participating middle-aged Koreans aged between 40 and 59 years were included. Descriptive statistical analysis, correlation analysis, and mediating, moderating, and moderated mediating effect analyses were performed. Depression had a mediating effect on the relationship between chronic disease and quality of life in middle-aged Koreans. Physical activity restrictions had a moderating effect on the relationship between chronic disease and depression. Finally, a moderated mediating effect of physical activity restrictions on the mediating effect of depression was observed. The study did not control demographic variables such as gender, age, income level, marital status, education level, and occupation. Response bias may have influenced the questionnaire data. The variables were only measured using a cross-sectional survey design. This study is the first to use large-scale research data to identify a specific path to the quality of life in middle-aged Koreans. The findings provide a basis for implementing the necessary intervention measures to support middle-aged Koreans’ quality of life.