"Prevalence Of Depression And The Impact Of Exercise Among Medical Students In Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis"
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69980/ajpr.v28i4.224Keywords:
Depression, Medical Students, Physical Exercise, Prevalence, Mental HealthAbstract
Background: Depression is a global mental health concern, affecting over 120 million individuals. It typically manifests through symptoms such as persistent sadness, lack of interest, reduced self-worth, and changes in sleep or appetite. In more severe cases, suicidal ideation may occur. Treatment generally involves pharmacological, psychological, or combined approaches.
Methods: This systematic review examined only cross-sectional studies published between 2010 and 2019. Databases searched included PubMed, Google Scholar, and PEDro, using terms like "depression," "exercise," "medical students," "prevalence," and "physiotherapy."
Results: Female medical students in Saudi Arabia were found to experience significantly higher rates of depression, with prevalence ranging between 30.9% and 83.4%. First-year students were more frequently affected. Multiple studies indicated that regular physical activity contributed to improved mood and decreased dependency on medication.
Conclusion: Physical activity can serve as both a complementary and independent intervention for managing mild to moderate depression. Its application should be tailored to individual health profiles and motivational levels.
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