Obesity, physical activity and sleep quality in patients admitted to a posttraumatic stress inpatient ward

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this paper was to cross-sectionally examine the association between physical health indicators and PTSD symptomatology. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among inpatients of a service related trauma-focused ward. Physical and mental health indicators including sleep quality, fitness, physical activity, body mass index and PTSD symptomatology were assessed. Results: Among 60 inpatients, significant associations were found between sedentary time ( r = 0.42; p < .001) and sleep quality ( r = 0.40; p < .001) with PTSD symptomatology. The vast majority of inpatients ( n = 56; 93%) were found to be either overweight or obese according to body mass index. Conclusion: Inpatients of a PTSD treatment facility had extremely high rates of obesity, physical inactivity, poor cardiorespiratory fitness and poor sleep quality. Sedentary behaviour is a modifiable risk factor associated with symptoms and physical health.