Association between Level of Physical Activity and Depression in Patients Having Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome (OHS) is a complex respiratory disorder characterized by obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²), chronic alveolar hypoventilation, and sleep-disordered breathing, often accompanied by metabolic and psychological comorbidities. Depression is one of the most prevalent mental health issues among individuals with OHS, exacerbating disease burden and reducing quality of life. Physical activity has been shown to improve both physiological and psychological outcomes in obese and chronically ill populations; however, limited data exist regarding its association with depression in patients suffering from OHS. Objective: To determine the association between the level of physical activity and the degree of depression among patients with Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome. Methodology: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in the Pulmonology Department of Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, over six months (January–June 2024). A total of 197 clinically diagnosed OHS patients aged 25–65 years were recruited through non-probability convenient sampling. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to assess physical activity levels, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) to evaluate depression, and Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated for obesity classification. Data were analyzed using SPSS v23. Chi-square and regression analyses were applied to explore the association between physical activity and depression. Results: Among 197 participants, females constituted 61.4% and males 38.6%, with a mean age of 45.6 ± 10.3 years. Most participants (45.2%) reported low physical activity levels, and 28.9% had moderately severe depression. The Chi-square test revealed a statistically significant association between lower physical activity levels and higher depression severity (p < 0.001). Regression analysis confirmed that decreased physical activity independently predicted higher PHQ-9 scores after adjusting for age, gender, and BMI. Conclusion: The study demonstrated a strong negative association between physical activity and depression among patients with Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome. Incorporating tailored exercise programs into rehabilitation and management plans may mitigate depressive symptoms, enhance functional capacity, and improve overall quality of life in OHS patients.