The effect of adolescents physical activity on depression levels

Aim: This study was conducted to examine the effect of Physical activity adequacy on depression levels in adolescents. Material and Method: The research was carried out cross-sectionally. Between February 2021 and March 2022, it was carried out in six high schools selected by lottery among the high schools affiliated to the Malatya Directorate of National Education. A total of 1027 adolescents aged 13-20 participated in the study. The data were collected using the Introductory Characteristics Form, Physical Activity Efficacy Scale (PAES), and Kutcher Adolescent Depression Scale (KADS). In the analysis of the data (SPSS) 21.0 package program was used, and in the evaluation, mean, percent age distribution and regression analysis were used. Statistical significance level was adopted as p<0.05. Results: In the research, total score was obtained at the physical activity level (1634.93±704.34) and the total score at the depression level (14.16 ± 7.61). In addition, while socio-demographic characteristics, age and maternal occupation status positively affected Kutcher Adolescent Depression level (p <0.05), gender, perceived in come level and perceived health level negatively affected the level of depression. Conclusion: In our study, it was found that physical activity adequacy had an effect of %0.041 on the level of depression. It was found that the socio-demographic characteristics of the adolescents have a %20.9 effect on the Kutcher Adolescent Depression level. It has been observed that physical activities of adolescents have an effect on the level of depression. Key Words: Adolescent, physical activity, depression, public health nursing