EFFECT OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ON ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION IN ADULT POPULATION

Abstract

One of the most serious health challenges confronting the globe today is mental health. According to the World health organization, depression is one of the primary causes of disease and disability among teenagers. Simultaneously, poor physical activity is one of the main risk factors for mortality in all age categories globally. Objective: To determine the effect of physical activity on anxiety and depression in young adults. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 265 participants were included by using non-probability sampling technique. Data was collected from Jinnah Sindh Medical University Karachi, Dow University of Health Sciences Karachi, and ISRA University Karachi. DPT students of both genders between the ages of 18 to 25, studying for more than six months in university, and individuals having symptoms of anxiety and depression was included. The exclusion criteria were individuals with neurological or musculoskeletal problems, hypertensive students, and history of recent trauma or mental disorder. The data was collected through a self-report questionnaire (Moods and Feelings Questionnaire). Responses obtained from these questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS version 21. Results: A total of 265 participants were studied, 145 (54.7%) were females and 120 (45.3%) were males. Of the total 100 participants (37.7 %) were suffering from depression. We found a significant difference in the frequency of depression between habits of Exercise (p 0.036) and also in the frequency of depression between different levels of duration of exercise (p<0.001). Conclusion: According to this study, physical inactivity is increasingly exposing young individuals to the risk of depression.

Keywords: Anxiety, Depression, Depressive disorder, Exercise, Sedentary behavior, Young adults