Alnofaiey YH, Atallah HM, Alrawqi MK, Alghamdi H, Almalki MG, Almaleky JS, Almalki KF. Correlation of Physical Activity to Mental Health State and Grade Point Average Among Medical Students in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.
Cureus 2023;
15:e40253. [PMID:
37440798 PMCID:
PMC10335324 DOI:
10.7759/cureus.40253]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Physical activity (PA) significantly impacts mental health. However, studies addressing the influence of PA on the mental health and academic performance of medical students are scarce.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A cross-sectional study was carried out among 2,819 students pursuing their medical degrees in Saudi Arabia. PA was measured using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire, and the state of their mental health was recorded using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. A multi-logistic regression was performed to predict the risk factor of poor academic performance.
RESULTS
The prevalence of abnormal anxiety and depression levels were found to be 45.3% and 31.6%, respectively, which were comparatively more prevalent among students of younger age (p < 0.001). Students with abnormal anxiety levels had significantly lower grade point average (GPA) levels than others (p < 0.001). Those who were aged < 21 years, female gender, with chronic disease presence, low PA levels, and abnormal anxiety levels were independently associated with lower GPA levels (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Low PA and high anxiety and depression levels were found to affect the academic performance of medical students in Saudi Arabia. Hence, health education about the importance of PA should be directed to those students.
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