Keywords
Dentistry
Mental health
Physical exercise
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Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the correlation between physical exercise and anxiety and depression among dental students at a private university in Imperatriz, Maranhão. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive, and exploratory study with a quantitative approach, developed through field research with dental students at a private university in Imperatriz, Maranhão. Two questionnaires were applied: (1) an adapted habitual physical activity questionnaire and (2) an assessment of symptoms of depression and anxiety. The study was approved by the CEP, under opinion CAAE 83345024.6.0000.5084. Results: 146 students responded to the questionnaires, the majority of whom were women (79.5%, n=116). The predominant age group was 18 to 21 years old (50.0%, n=73). Almost all students had no medical limitations (95.9%, n=140). Regarding anxiety, 36.3% (n=53) had unlikely levels, 34.9% (n=51) had possible levels, and 28.8% (n=42) had probable levels. Regarding depression, 51.4% (n=75) were classified as unlikely, 39.0% (n=57) as possible, and 9.6% (n=14) as probable. Conclusion: There is an urgent need to develop and implement complementary institutional interventions and psychological support strategies aimed at the well-being and mental health of this at-risk university population.
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