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17-08-2023 | Mood Disorders | Original Paper

Movement Behaviors and Mental Health of Catholic Priests in the Eastern United States

Authors: Michael D. Kostick, Xihe Zhu

Published in: Journal of Religion and Health | Issue 3/2024

Abstract

The purpose of this observational study was to examine (a) the proportion of Catholic priests in the United States that have anxiety/depression and meet the Canadian 24-Hour of Movement Guidelines, and (b) the association of meeting these guidelines with the likelihood of anxiety and depression. A sample of (arch)diocesan priests (n = 335) completed demographic and behavior survey, International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results indicated that 21.1% of priests surveyed met all three movement guidelines (physical activity, sleep, and screentime) and 7.8% met none. Priests who reported excessive recreational screentime (≥ 3 h/day) were more likely to have anxiety (OR = 3.17) and depression (OR = 2.91), and who were physically inactive (< 150 min/week) were more likely to have depression (OR = 8.89). Data from this study addresses a gap in the literature regarding Catholic priests, movement behavior, and mental wellbeing.

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Title: Movement Behaviors and Mental Health of Catholic Priests in the Eastern United States
Authors: Michael D. Kostick
Xihe Zhu
Publication date: 17-08-2023
Publisher: Springer US
Keywords: Mood Disorders
Affective Disorder
Anxiety
Published in: Journal of Religion and Health / Issue 3/2024
Print ISSN: 0022-4197
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6571
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-023-01894-5

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