To analyze the physical exercise habits of urban and rural residents in Henan Province and their association with depression, anxiety disorders, and insomnia.

A stratified multi-stage random sampling method was employed to survey residents aged 18 and older in urban and rural areas of Henan Province. Data on demographic characteristics, physical exercise, and mental health status were collected using questionnaires and screening scales. Subsequent diagnosis of mental disorders was performed on individuals screened out by the scales, and analyses were conducted using χ² tests and logistic regression.

(1) Among 10 057 urban and rural residents, the proportions of individuals engaging in minimal, low, moderate, and high levels of exercise were 46.8%, 21.1%, 26.1%, and 6.0%, respectively. Statistically significant differences in exercise levels were observed across various demographics, including region, gender, age, education level, occupation, marital status, monthly income, smoking habits, drinking habits, health status, and mental health literacy (P<0.05). (2) Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that, after adjusting for demographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, and health status, participants engaging in moderate exercise had a lower risk of depression (OR=0.670, 95%CI: 0.470-0.954) and insomnia (OR=0.758, 95%CI: 0.651-0.883) compared to those who did not exercise. (3) Logistic regression results among different demographic groups showed that participants engaging in moderate exercise had a lower risk of insomnia in urban (OR=0.674,95%CI: 0.446-0.987), rural (OR=0.664, 95%CI: 0.547-0.805), male (OR=0.744, 95%CI: 0.592-0.935), and 18-35 age groups (OR=0.514, 95%CI: 0.313-0.842). In the female population, those engaging in moderate exercise had a lower risk of depression (OR=0.296, 95%CI: 0.171-0.512) and anxiety disorders (OR=0.613, 95%CI: 0.432-0.870) compared to non-exercisers. Additionally, compared to non-exercisers, participants with small (OR=0.774, 95%CI: 0.627-0.955), moderate (OR=0.682, 95%CI:0.56-0.827), and high levels of exercise (OR=0.542, 95%CI: 0.367-0.800) had lower risks of insomnia. Among the 36-59 and ≥60 age groups, participants engaging in moderate exercise had a lower risk of depression (OR=0.621, 95%CI: 0.374-0.932; OR=0.502, 95%CI: 0.284-0.887), anxiety disorders (OR=0.665, 95%CI: 0.460-0.960; OR=0.737, 95%CI: 0.582-0.925), and insomnia (OR=0.674, 95%CI: 0.545-0.833; OR=0.625, 95%CI: 0.482-0.812).

There are significant differences in physical exercise levels among different demographic groups. Participants engaging in moderate exercise have a lower risk of depression and insomnia, with a more pronounced correlation between physical exercise and mental disorders observed in females and older adults.