Depression's double-edged impact on body mass index. A hidden catalyst for non-communicable diseases in South Africa's aging population in long-term care facilities.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The global population of older people, who have a high prevalence of non-communicable diseases, is on an upward trajectory, notably in South Africa. The expansion of this demographic will further strain an already overwhelmed healthcare system, primarily taxed by infectious diseases in younger populations. Physical activity has been shown to effectively reduce risk factors for non-communicable diseases in older people.

Objective

To investigate the associations between depression, body mass index (BMI) and physical activity and its complex interplay on non-communicable diseases in older people residing in South African long-term care facilities.

Method

We conducted a cross-sectional study on 396 participants residing in South African rural and urban long-t

SUBMITTER: Naidoo S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11825011 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature