Abstract
Depression is an important public health issue. In the general adult population,
about 6.7% are affected. Little data are available about endurance runners. We
conducted a prospective survey study screening for depression using the Patient
Health Questionnaire and investigating potential associated risk factors in
endurance runners (≥ 21.1–42.2 km) and ultraendurance runners (≥ 42.2 km).
Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, predictive techniques, and
regression analysis. A total of n = 601 runners participated (female n=222 and
male n=379; mean age [SD]: 42.8 years [± 10.1]). Overall, 11.3% screened
positive for major depression, particularly female runners compared to male
runners (p=0.002) and endurance runners compared to ultraendurance runners
(p=0.023). No significant differences were observed among performance levels
(elite vs. nonelite). Mild depression was observed in 21.6% of runners. Factors
associated with a higher risk for screening for major depression included age
(p<0.001), particularly runners under the age of 28 years, previous
self-reported history of depression (p<0.001), more frequent weekly workouts
(4–5/wk; p=0.021), weeks lost to injury (p=0.022), and female sex (p=0.025). A
third of endurance and ultraendurance runners screened positive for depression,
highlighting the importance of creating awareness for mental health issues and
potential screening for athletes and providing access to appropriate support
services and education.
Keywords
mental healh - ultramarathon - marathon - endurance sports - risk factors
