Relationship between physical exercise and symptoms of stress, depression and anxiety in medical students

Abstract

Objective: to identify the physical exercise habits of medical students at XXX University and to relate them to possible manifestations of stress, depression and anxiety. Method: quantitative-descriptive research, conducted with medical students at XXX, through the application of a questionnaire to identify and practice physical exercise habits, associated with the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). The data obtained allowed us to draw conclusions regarding the relationship between the practice of physical exercise and the manifestation of stress, depression and anxiety in medical students. Results: in the group studied, women presented higher levels of anxiety and stress compared to men; and on the depression scale, the average score was significantly lower in the group of students who practice physical exercise. Conclusion: it was concluded that the development of stress, depression and anxiety in medical students is multifactorial and the practice of physical exercise reduced only the levels of depression, requiring the association of non-pharmacological strategies aimed at maintaining the mental health of students.