Abstract

Aim: To explore the association among various parameters of physical activity and mental health in undergraduate physiotherapy students.

Methods: Mixed sample of female and male students (N=311) was evaluated on International Physical Activity Questionnaire (long form), Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS), and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Categorical analyses within the scales were performed in addition to the statistical correlations among the parameters using Pearson’s product–moment correlation.

Results: The mean scores for depression, anxiety, and stress states were 6.4±4.4, 7.4±4.3, and 7.5±4.1 respectively in students with average age of 21.7±1.8 years. The average total score for WEMWBS was 47.1±9.2. A significant positive correlation was observed between total MET*min and depression (P<0.05). Additionally, a significant negative correlation was found between the total MET*min and total WEMWBS score (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Many physiotherapy students reported poor psychological and emotional state with nearly one-third in “extremely severe” part of the anxiety continuum. Although overall mental wellbeing of these students was “average”, a remarkable low percentage of students scored “above average” wellbeing. Significant correlation was present among various determinants of mental wellbeing, psychological health, and physical health.

Keywords: Physical activity, physiotherapy students, mental health, depression, stress, anxiety