Open Access

ARTICLE

Do Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Relate to Psychological Health of People with Cataracts?

Zhiyan Xiao¹, Xiangqin Song^2,*

1 School of Physical Education, Hunan University of Science and Engineering, Yongzhou, 425000, China
2 College of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China

* Corresponding Author: Xiangqin Song. Email:

International Journal of Mental Health Promotion 2025, 27(8), 1101-1116. https://doi.org/10.32604/ijmhp.2025.066316

Received 04 April 2025; Accepted 10 July 2025; Issue published 29 August 2025

Abstract

Objectives: Adults with cataracts are often reported with mental health issues, which has driven researchers to identify modifiable factors so that effective intervention programs can be timely implemented. Thus, we investigated associations of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) with stress, anxiety, and sleep problems among adults with cataracts. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 2219 participants with cataracts completed self-reported measures on demographic characteristics (e.g., age and sex), PA, SB, anxiety, stress and sleep problems. Multiple linear regression and logistic analyses adjusted for covariates were employed to examine the associations of PA and SB with outcomes of interest. Results: Meeting PA recommendation was significantly associated with lower stress score (β = −2.920, 95% CI: −3.880 to −1.959; p < 0.001), a 51.2% reduction in the odds of sleep problems (OR = 0.488, 95% CI: 0.389 to 0.612; p < 0.001). Limiting SB to ≤8 h/day was significantly associated with reduced stress score (−5.191, 95% CI: −6.378 to −4.004; p < 0.001), lower odds of anxiety symptoms (OR = 0.481, 95% CI: 0.354 to 0.655; p < 0.001), and sleep problems (OR = 0.540, 95% CI: 0.420 to 0.693; p < 0.001). The greatest benefit appeared when both PA and SB recommendations were achieved simultaneously. Compared with individuals who met neither recommendation, those who were sufficiently active and sat less than 8 h/day showed a 9.307-point lower stress score (95% CI: −11.12 to −7.49; p < 0.001), a 54.9% lower odds of anxiety symptoms (OR = 0.451, 95% CI: 0.262 to 0.776; p = 0.004), and a 66.4% lower odds of sleep problems (OR = 0.336, 95% CI: 0.206 to 0.550; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Meeting PA and SB recommendations could provide substantial psychosocial benefits for adults with cataracts.

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Keywords

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