Physical activity, exercise, and mental health among students at Gulf Medical University, Ajman, UAE: a cross-sectional study (2021)

Study aim: This study examined the relationship between physical activity and mental health—specifically depression, anxiety, and stress—among students at Gulf Medical University, Ajman, UAE.

Material and Methods: Using a cross-sectional study design, data were collected in 10 months from students at the Gulf University in Ajman, UAE. A total of 500 students completed a structured self-administered questionnaire, which included demographic data, physical activity habits, and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21).

Results: The results showed that 63.2% of participants engaged in regular exercise, with walking, running, and cycling being the most common activities. Regular exercisers were significantly less likely to experience severe anxiety compared to those who exercised irregularly (p < 0.05). However, associations between physical activity and depression or stress levels were not statistically significant. Most students fell within the “Normal” range for depression (72.0%) and stress (78.4%), though a considerable proportion reported moderate to severe anxiety.

Conclusions: The findings highlight the potential of physical activity in reducing anxiety among university students and suggest that targeted wellness programs promoting exercise could enhance mental well-being and academic outcomes. Future research could investigate the optimal types and durations of exercise to maximize these benefits.