The relationship between physical activity levels and symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress in individuals with alopecia Areata

Y. Rajoo; J. Wong; G. Cooper; I. S. Raj; D. J. Castle; A. H. Chong; J. Green; G. A. Kennedy

doi:10.1186/s40359-019-0324-x

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The relationship between physical activity levels and symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress in individuals with alopecia Areata

Journal article

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Peer reviewed

The relationship between physical activity levels and symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress in individuals with alopecia Areata

Y. Rajoo, J. Wong, G. Cooper, I. S. Raj, D. J. Castle, A. H. Chong, J. Green and G. A. Kennedy

BMC Psychology, Vol.7(1), 48

2019

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-019-0324-x

PMID: 31337438

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Abstract

Psychology

Psychology, Multidisciplinary

Social Sciences

Background: Alopecia Areata (AA) is an autoimmune condition that is characterised by non-scarring hair loss. Its aesthetic repercussions can lead to profound changes in psychological well-being. Although physical activity (PA) has been associated with better mental health outcomes in diverse populations, the association in individuals with AA has not been established. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between PA and mental health outcomes in individuals with AA to inform intervention strategies for this specific population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among individuals who were diagnosed with AA. A total of 83 respondents aged (40.95 +/- 13.24 years) completed a self-report questionnaire consisting of International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and the Depression and Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21). Three-way contingency Chi-square analyses were used to determine the associations between PA, mental health outcomes and participants with hair loss of more than 50% on the scalp. Results: 81.9% of the participants did not meet PA guidelines. Participants with hair loss of more than 50% on the scalp, and who did not meet PA guidelines, were significantly more likely to experience symptoms of severe depression (p = .003), moderate anxiety (p = .04) and mild stress (p = .003) than those who met guidelines Conclusion: Findings suggest that increased PA participation in AA individuals with severe hair loss is associated with improved mental health status. Intervention efforts for this specific population should consider barriers and enablers to PA participation as they face challenges that differ from the general population.

Details

Title: The relationship between physical activity levels and symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress in individuals with alopecia Areata
Authors/Creators: Y. Rajoo - RMIT University
J. Wong - Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University
G. Cooper - University of Newcastle Australia
I. S. Raj - RMIT University
D. J. Castle - Univ Melbourne, Dept Psychol Sci & Psychiat, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
A. H. Chong - St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne
J. Green - Western Health
G. A. Kennedy - Institute for Breathing and Sleep
Publication Details: BMC Psychology, Vol.7(1), 48
Publisher: Springer Nature
Number of pages: 7
Grant note: Australia Alopecia Areata Foundation
Identifiers: 991005637966707891
Murdoch Affiliation: School of Allied Health
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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