Physical Activity and Levels of Depression in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Sulhi Ali Alfakeh,

Published on: 2020-08-04

Abstract

Depression, the most prevalent form of mood disorder, has triggered significant public health concern in developed and developing countries due to its high prevalence and the heavy burden of disease. Physical activity and sedentary behavior may be associated with depressive symptoms. We conducted this study to reassess the correlation in Saudi Arabia. Observational cross-sectional evaluation using the (Beck Depression Inventory) that measures the characteristic attitudes and symptoms of depression and the (International Physical Activity Questionnaire) to assess the levels and patterns of PA in healthy adults. The sample was conducted in the Makkah region, Saudi Arabia, with inclusion criteria being any adult between 18-50 years.
There was a higher number of female participants (58.8%). Based on the participants’ (body mass index), we noted that many were overweight (34.67%). The most common response in 469 participants (48%) was normal ups and downs; 196 (20%) had mild mood disturbance; 75 (7.7%) had borderline clinical depression; 112 (11.5%) had moderate depression; 33 (3.4%) had severe depression, while 93 (9.5%) had extreme depression. Based on findings we suggest that Psychiatrists practice encouraging depressed patients to do more physical activity and explain the impact of the physical activity on improving their symptoms and their Health.

scroll up