The moderating effect of physical activity in the relation between problematic mobile phone use and depression among university students

Aim: To examine the moderating effect of physical activity (PA) between problematic mobile phone use (PMPU) and depression in university students. Methods: The sample consisted of 4624 students (55.5% females and 44.5% males) aged 17-25 years old (M=19.91, SD=1.27). Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) were applied to evaluate the state of depression in all participants. The data of PMPU and PA were collected by standardized questionnaires named Self-rating Questionnaire for Adolescent Problematic Mobile Phone Use (SQAPMPU) and International physical activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF). Chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regressions were applied to examine the associations of PMPU and depression, as well as the moderating effects of PA. Results: The prevalence of PMPU and depression were 27.5%, 6.1% (PHQ-9 at clinical level) and 25.1% (CES-D≥20), respectively. The relationships between PMPU and depression have been shown in our study. The rates of depression were higher among students with PMPU or low PA. Hierarchical analysis indicated that moderate or high PA was related to a greater decrease in the risk of depression for students with PMPU. Conclusions: The findings indicate that PA moderates the association between PMPU and depression. Future researches with longitudinal design are warranted. The intervention programs of depression should consider individuals’ health behaviors. © 2020 Elsevier B.V.