Abstract

Objective: To investigate the association of physical activity with depression, anxiety, stress, and academic score in healthcare students, and to determine the prevalence of these variables.
Methodology: This analytical cross-sectional study with a convenience sample of 400 healthcare students studying at CMH Lahore Medical College, Institute of Dentistry, Institute of Nursing and School of Allied Health Sciences, Lahore, was conducted from 19-30th October 2023. Data were collected using Global Physical Activity Questionnaire, depression, anxiety, and stress (DASS-21 scale), and academic scores. Analysis was done on SPSS 26.
Result: Only 20% respondents met physical activity recommendations, and 60.9% led a sedentary lifestyle. High levels of depression, anxiety, and stress were noted, with almost a third having moderate-to-extremely severe symptoms. Moderate-to-extremely severe depression showed a very highly significant inverse relationship with regular exercise (p=0.002) and with recommended amount of physical activity (p=0.007). A very highly significant inverse relationship was also noted between moderate-to-extremely severe anxiety and stress with regular exercise (p=0.001, p = 0.004, respectively). Non-sedentary participants had significantly higher academic scores than sedentary (p=0.003).
Conclusion: A high prevalence of depression, anxiety & stress in healthcare students was observed, with lower levels in physically active students. Non-sedentary participants had better academic scores.

Key words: Physical activity, sedentary, depression, anxiety, medical students.