Perceived Physical Activity Barriers in Relation To Depressive Symptoms in Overweight/Obese Latinos –The Adelgaza Trial.

Abstract Background Latinos are the most physically inactive population in the US and under-utilize depression treatment. Physical activity is a suitable depression treatment, but Latinos report high barriers. The relationship between perceived activity barriers and depression has not been assessed before in Latinos. Methods We included 54 overweight Latino participants, BMI > 24.9 kg/m2, 68.5% female, mean age 45.3 years, enrolled in a weight loss intervention–the Adelgaza trial. Using multivariate regression, we examined the association between the total Barriers to Being Active Quiz (BBAQ) and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). We post-hoc assessed this relationship for the BBAQ subscale-scores. Results Depression scores were associated with barrier scores (linear effect, estimate = 0.73, p = 0.02). A lack of resources was significantly related to higher depression (post-hoc exploratory, OR = 1.56, p = 0.002). Conclusion Physical activity barriers and depression are related in overweight Latino/a men and women. Perceived lack of resources might be a particularly important depression-related barrier.