Investigating Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Depression Among Military University Students

The demands of living as a university student have caused an increasing number of students to experience poor mental health. Failure to adequately address these demands might lead to students suffering from mental health issues including depression. Thus, exploring leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) may play a crucial role in understanding students’ depression. The present study is designed to examine the association between LTPA and depression among National Defense University of Malaysia (UPNM) students. A cross-sectional research design was employed, and data was collected via a set of questionnaires among the sample of 381 UPNM students. Self-report questionnaires, consisting of Godin LTPA and patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) were distributed to the students. Correlation analyses were performed to examine the association between LTPA and depression. The analysis demonstrated a statistically significant correlation between LTPA and depression (r=0.104, p<0.05). Further studies are warranted to categorize the diverse types of leisure activities prevalent among military university students. Such research could provide valuable. Insights, enabling more information and direction on the selection of leisure activities to mitigate depression. The LTPA is recommended to alleviate depressive levels among military university students. The university and management should offer a few interventions to enhance students’ leisure-time physical activity.