Watching sports associated with fewer depressive symptoms in adults with congenital heart disease
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Researchers at University of Tsukuba found that watching sports more frequently was associated with fewer depressive symptoms in adults with congenital heart disease (CHD). Specifically, attending sporting events in person at least once in the previous year and watching sports on television or the internet at least once a week were each associated with fewer depressive symptoms. These findings suggest that watching sports may be an accessible leisure activity that could contribute to mental well-being in adults with CHD. The findings are published in the European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing.
Congenital heart disease (CHD) encompasses a range of structural abnormalities of the heart that are present at birth. Advances in medical care have enabled many individuals with CHD to survive into adulthood. However, mental health challenges, including depression and anxiety, remain common in this population. Although physical activity can help maintain and improve mental health, disease-related limitations may prevent some individuals with CHD from participating in exercise or sports.
Recent studies in the general population have suggested that watching sports, in addition to participating in them, may be associated with better mental health. Against this background, researchers at the University of Tsukuba investigated the association between the frequency of sports viewing and depressive symptoms in 108 adults with CHD. Sports viewing was defined as either attending sporting events in person or watching sports on television or the internet. Depressive symptoms were assessed using a standardized questionnaire. The researchers also accounted for factors that could influence the results, including age, sex, body mass index, disease severity and exercise habits.
The results showed that participants who had attended a sporting event in person at least once in the previous year reported fewer depressive symptoms than those who had not attended any sporting events. Similarly, participants who watched sports on television or the internet at least once a week reported fewer depressive symptoms than those who never watched sports.
Because the study used a cross-sectional design, the findings do not establish a causal relationship between watching sports and mental health. Nevertheless, the results suggest that sports viewing may be associated with better mental well-being among adults with CHD. Further research is needed to determine the direction of this relationship and identify the underlying psychosocial mechanisms. A better understanding of these factors could help inform the development of psychosocial support strategies tailored to the individual needs and circumstances of people living with CHD.
More information
Masahiro Matsui et al., Watching sports is associated with fewer depressive symptoms in adults with congenital heart disease, European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing (2026). DOI: 10.1093/eurjcn/zvag226
Key medical concepts
Depression, EmotionalCongenital Heart Disease
Clinical categories
CardiologyPsychology & Mental healthPsychiatry Provided by University of Tsukuba Who's behind this story?
Gaby Clark
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