Physical inactivity and self-reported depression among middle- and older-aged population in South Asia: World health survey.

Background: With the increase in the understanding of the influence of various lifestyle factors such as sedentary behaviour and level of physical activity (PA) on physical and mental health, there has been a growing research interest on how physical inactivity correlates with depressive outcomes across countries. The present study aimed to examine 1) the pattern of engaging in PA among middle- and older-aged population in four South Asian countries, and 2) whether PA is associated with higher prevalence of depression.

Methods: This cross-sectional study is based on country-representative data obtained from WHO's World Health Survey (WHS).

Association between depression and fruit and vegetable consumption among adults in South Asia.

Background: In recent years there has been a growing research interest regarding the impact of dietary behaviour on mental health outcomes. The present study aimed to investigate the association between fruit and vegetable (F&V) consumption and depression in three south Asian countries- Bangladesh, India and Nepal.

Methods: Cross-sectional data were obtained from World Health Survey of WHO conducted during 2002-04.