Physical Activity and Ethnicity as Determinants for Depressive Symptoms

Abstract

Aims: Epidemiological research has shown that regular physical activity can help in the prevention of depression. Recent research has been unclear about the racial components of depression and knowing which population is at the greatest risk will help clinics, nurses, and teachers seek and promote interventions with the population. The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship of physical activity, gender, and ethnicity on depressive symptoms.  Study Design: Survey sample. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Health and Physical Education, Eastern New Mexico University, between March 2016 and April 2016. Methodology: Eighty-seven individuals completed a non-experimental research study and data was collected on demographics, the Center for Epidemiological Studies on Depression (CES-D), and the Johnson Space Center/NASA Physical Activity Rating Scale (PAR). Results: Regression analysis showed that physical activity and non-minority status significantly influenced depressive symptoms [CES-D = 17.702 - 2.242(PAR) – 5.487(Caucasian)].  Conclusion: Results of the analysis revealed that being a Caucasian decrease the chance of developing depressions, and a lack of habitual physical activity can increase an individual’s likely-hood of developing depressive symptoms. Access to mental health care must be improved for minorities to help improve these rates.