Abstract
Objective: This study aims to determine the prevalence of depression, anxiety, stress among undergraduate students and its association with physical activity and academic performance.
Study Design: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted.
Place and duration of study: This was an analytical cross sectional study conducted on undergraduate students of Institute of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar
Material and Methods: Based on eligibility criteria 83 students were recruited in the study through convenience sampling technique. The sample included both male (n=33) and female students(n=50), with a mean age of 22.5 ±0.458 years. The assessment of stress, anxiety and depression, and physical activity was carried out using; The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire respectively. Sedentary behaviour was assessed in terms of screen time.
Results: The data was analysed by SPSS version 22. Cross tabulation and Chi square test were applied to examine the association (p value < 0.05). The results of this study showed high prevalence of depression 65%, anxiety 71% and stress 57%. Stress was significantly associated with sedentary behaviour (p < 0.05). Academic performance was found to be greatly influenced by varying levels of stress and depression (p<0.05). However, no significant association was identified between physical activity and academic performance.
Conclusion: This study revealed that stress, anxiety, and depression are highly prevalent among undergraduate students. Higher levels of stress were associated with increased sedentary behaviour. Interestingly, academic performance was positively influenced by elevated levels of stress and depression.
Keywords: Anxiety, Academic Performance, Depression, Physical Activity, Stress
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