Physical Activity and Depression among Adolescents in West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh

An estimated 20% of world's adolescents have mental health or behavioral problem. Understanding the relationship between physical activity and depressive characteristics among the adolescent population is important in addressing two major public health concerns: depression and lack of physical activity. The present study was conducted with the aim to estimate the level of Physical activity and depression and to find out the association between them.

A School based Cross-sectional study was conducted among students of 6th to 10th standard of 1 government and 2 private schools in Eluru city, AP. A total of 450 students were studied based on sample size, calculated by taking adequate physical activity prevalence 40% with 95% CI and relative precision of 12%. Physical activity was measured using PAQ-A (Physical Activity Questionnaire for adolescents) and depression was measured using Becks Depression Inventory II (BDI II) questionnaire by interview method.

Out of 450 subjects 248(55.1%) were males and 202(44.9%) were females. The prevalence of depression was 42.2% and inadequate physical activity was found among 43.1% subjects. Correlation between physical activity and depression was r=-0.252.

School health authorities must take initiative to increase the physical activity sessions in all the schools with immediate effect.