The Influence of Physical Condition on Mental Health and Quality of Life in Patients With Drug Dependence

Abstract

Background: Exercise has been proposed as a good strategy to prevent use and relapse and to improve mental health and quality of life in drug-dependent people. However, it is not known if physical condition per se influences quality of life and mental health. Objective: The aims of this study were to analyze the relationships between physical condition, mental health, and quality of life in patients with drug dependence and to determine whether physical condition could predict levels of mental health and quality of life. Method: Levels of physical condition (Timed Get Up and Go test, Chair Stand Test, six-minute walk test), mental health (Depression Anxiety Stress Scales [DASS-21]), and quality of life (Short Form Health Survey) were measured in a sample of 125 patients with drug dependence. A correlation analysis and a stepwise multiple linear regression analysis were performed. Results: The physical condition tests predicted all DASS-21 variables: stress (F = 26.30, p < .001), anxiety (F = 18.33, p < .001), depression (F = 27.63, p < .001), total DASS-21 (F = 23.91, p < .001), and all the variables of the Short Form Health Survey for quality of life. Conclusions: Physical condition can predict the levels of mental health and quality of life of patients with drug dependence.