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Association Between Physical Activity and Mental Health in Vermont Youth
Matunas, Adam Gadoury, Kyle Oviedo, Jazlyn O'Connor, Megan de Jager, Elzerie Delaney, Thomas Noyes, Cindy
Matunas, Adam
Gadoury, Kyle
Oviedo, Jazlyn
O'Connor, Megan
de Jager, Elzerie
Delaney, Thomas
Noyes, Cindy
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Abstract
Adolescent mental health is a growing public health concern nationally; however, research representative of rural communities is lacking. This study examines the association between physical activity and mental health among high school students in Vermont, a predominantly rural state. We analyzed 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) data using weighted descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression. Physical activity was the independent variable, while mental health (sadness/hopelessness, poor mental health, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts) were the dependent variables. Covariates included age, sex, gender identity, substance-use, and race/ethnicity. Regular physical activity (≥3 days/week) was significantly associated with lower odds of sadness/hopelessness (OR = 0.647), poor mental health (OR = 0.596), suicide planning (OR = 0.684), and suicide attempts (OR = 0.545). LGBTQ+ and transgender students exhibited higher odds of poor mental health, while black students reported better mental health than white peers. Findings highlight disparities in mental health among rural youth and suggest physical activity as a protective factor. Expanding access to recreational facilities, integrating substance use prevention, and providing culturally competent mental health support can improve rural adolescent well-being.
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Date
2025-01-01