engleski

Association between physical activity and mental health of university students in Eastern Croatia

psychological effect on adolescents. Self-esteem is an image of our self and a foundation of mental health ; it expresses our evaluation of our abilities, importance, success and competence. Low selfesteem is connected to passivity. Regular physical activity has positive effects on cognitive, emotional and physical abilities. Aim of the study was to determine association between physical activity and mental health of university students in Eastern Croatia. Data was collected through systematic examination of first-year students of 10 different faculties at University in Osijek in Eastern Croatia during academic year 2013/14. Students completed questionnaire containing Rosenberg’s scale of self-esteem, short 6-item CES-D scale for depressive mood and questions regarding frequency and type of physical activity. Total of 1035 students were examined, 706 females and 329 males. 84% of students walk at least 1 hour a day and 77% of students practice recreational sports at least 1 hour a day. Male students are significantly more physically active than female students. Only 5% of students are completely physically inactive and almost all are females. Low self-esteem was associated with physical inactivity. Association between depressive mood and level of physical activity was not determined. Our study confirmed that exercise encourages a positive self-esteem and improves mental health. Promotion of physical activity should be used as a public health measure in mental health campaigns in Croatia.

physical activity ; mental health ; students

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