Physical activity and nutritional status as mediators in the relationship between mental health and quality of life in older women: a cross-sectional mediation study in northern Iran #MMPMID41345571
Rahimi F; Darvishpour A; Mansour-Ghanaei R; Maroufizadeh S
BMC Geriatr 2025[Dec]; ? (?): ? PMID41345571show ga
BACKGROUND: Mental health (MH) and quality of life (QoL) are essential components of well-being in older women. Although physical activity (PA) and nutritional status (NS) are known to affect these outcomes, their mediating roles remain underexplored. This study aimed to investigate whether PA and NS mediate the relationship between MH and QoL in older women. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 on 180 older women visiting public parks in Rasht, Iran. We recruited participants through a convenience sampling approach, with random selection of public parks to enhance variability. Data collection used validated instruments, including the Abbreviated Mental Test Score (AMTS), physical activity, mental health, Quality of life (CASP-19), and Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). Data analysis employed SPSS-26 and SmartPLS-3, applying Pearson correlations, linear regression, and structural equation modelling (SEM), while controlling for demographic confounders. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 66.6 +/- 4.7 years (range: 60-78 years), with most aged 60-65 years, married, and having low educational attainment. PA levels were relatively favourable, while NS, MH, and QoL were moderate. PA and NS were significantly correlated with both MH (r = 0.28 and 0.36, respectively) and QoL (r = 0.35 and 0.46, respectively). Regression analyses confirmed their predictive roles (p < 0.01). MH was also a strong predictor of QoL (r = 0.56, p < 0.01). SEM results indicated significant indirect effects of PA (beta = 0.18, p < 0.05) and NS (beta = 0.21, p < 0.05) on QoL. The model explained 32% of the variance in QoL (R(2) = 0.319). CONCLUSIONS: PA and NS significantly mediate the relationship between MH and QoL in older women. Promoting regular physical activity and balanced nutrition may improve overall quality of life. These findings highlight the need for integrated, lifestyle-based interventions in ageing health programmes.
BMC+Geriatr 2025 ; ? (?): ?
