The relationship between physical activity and psychological distress among medical students
Mini-Oral Presentation B1.9
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.598Keywords:
Physical Activity, Psychological Distress, Medical StudentsAbstract
Background: Mental health problems have been clearly identified in medical students. A growing body of literature indicates that physical activity is associated with positive mental health characteristics. Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate physical activity and psychological distress among Moroccan medical students and to analyze the association of levels of physical activity with psychological distress. Methods: 635 participants were included in this cross-sectional study. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to assess physical activity and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) to evaluate the psychological distress. The data obtained were analyzed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Results: Among the whole participants, 55.1% were females and 42.6% lived in university campus. The median age was 20.0 [19.0 – 21.0] years. 25,1% of students reported low level of physical activity, with 30.4% in females and 18,8% in males. The overall prevalence of psychological distress was 48,1% and 14,7% experienced severe level. Females had higher levels of psychological distress than males (p<0,001). The multivariate analysis showed significant association between levels of physical activity and psychological distress. Low level of physical activity is associated with a higher risk of psychological distress (OR=2.98; 95% CI: 1,95; 4.54). Conclusions: The prevalence of psychological distress and low physical activity appears to be high and are significantly associated amongst medical students. Engagement in physical activity can be an important factor to consider in preventing mental health. Funding: None
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Copyright (c) 2021 Abdelkader Jalil El hangouche, Narjisse Damoun, Youssra Amekran
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