The association between sexual activity frequency and depression: The moderating role of physical activity

Guoji Qin, Yan Gong

Abstract

This study utilizes data from 12,308 adults aged 20 to 59 in the NHANES from 2007 to 2016 to investigate the relationship between sexual activity frequency, physical activity, and depression. Additionally, it examines whether physical activity moderates the association between sexual activity frequency and depression, with a particular emphasis on gender differences. Logistic regression revealed that low sexual activity frequency significantly increased depression risk, while regular moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) reduced it. Furthermore, physical activity moderated the relationship between sexual activity frequency and depression: at low MVPA levels, infrequent sexual activity predicted higher depressive symptoms, whereas this association disappeared at high MVPA levels. Subgroup analyses indicated that this moderating effect was evident among males but not females. These findings suggest that regular physical activity may buffer the adverse psychological effects of low sexual activity and highlight potential sex-specific mechanisms underlying the links between lifestyle behaviors and mental health.

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