RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND MENTAL HEALTH OF UNDERGRADUATE HEALTH SCIENCE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Abstract

University life presents new environments and challenges leading to depression, stress, and anxiety even with physical activity participation. There have been reported restrictions in recreational activities in some hostels and attempted suicide among undergraduate university students with little attention on the relationship between these phenomena. This study aims to determine the relationship between physical activity (PA) levels and the mental health (MH) status of undergraduate health science students. A cross-sectional quantitative study was employed.  581 undergraduate students (21.04±2.83 years. Males, 235(40.4%) and females 346(59.6%) were recruited for the study. International PA; and depression, anxiety, and stress scale questionnaires were administered. 42.0% had moderate, 38.9% vigorous, and 19.1% low levels of PA. 59.4% reported anxiety, 43% depression, and 24.3% stress symptoms. PA had a significant relationship with MH status. Participants with high PA levels have reduced depression, anxiety, and stress levels. It is strongly recommended that stakeholders should put in place pragmatic PA interventions to reduce anxiety, depression, and stress levels prevalent among undergraduate students.

Keywords: Physical activity, Mental health, Depression, Stress, Anxiety, University students