OBJECTIVE: To analyze the relationship between physical activity during leisure time and common mental disorders among elderly. METHODS: Cross sectional study with sample consisting of 562 individuals living in the city of Feira de Santana, 69.6% female and 30.4% male with a mean age of 68.93 ± 7.05 years. We used a questionnaire containing sociodemographic information, such diseases, screening for common mental disorders (CMD) using the Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20). Participation in physical activity in the leasure time was measured through self-perception of the type and intensity of the activity (mild, moderate or heavy). For statistical analysis we used logistic regression, calculating the prevalence ratios, confidence intervals (95%) and significance level p < 0.05. RESULTS: Among studied individuals, 18.3% of were considered to be active in leisure. The prevalence of CMD was 32.1%, and lower among physically active during leisure time (PR = 0.49, CI = 0.29 to 0.84), after adjusting for age and income. CONCLUSION: There is a high proportion of inactive subjects during leisure time, and this condition is associated with increased prevalence of CMD. It is suggested that actions directed to mental health programs must prioritize which favor the encouragement of physical activity among older people living in the city in view of the contribution of this behavior to the treatment and prevention of mental illness.
Physical activity; mental health; older
