RELACIONES ENTRE DEPRESI�?�?N, EJERCICIO F�?SICO Y VARIABLES SOCIODEMOGR�?FICAS: UN ESTUDIO CORRELACIONAL EN UNA MUESTRA DE MUJERES

Abstract

Aurelio Olmedilla Zafra, Enrique Ortega Toro y Julia Madrid Garrido

Many studies have indicated that both certain sociodemographic variables and exercise are related to mental health in women and men, although in general women seem to be more affected by them. The purpose of the present study was to study the relationships that are established between sociodemographic variables and exercise practice with depression levels in women. The sample was composed of 200 women from the municipality of Cartagena (Murcia, Spain), with ages ranging from 18 to 65 years. The results indicate that there are statistically significant differences among various groups: (a) the women from the 45-54 year age group and those from the 35-44 year age group had higher levels of depression, (b) widows demonstrated higher levels of depression than married and single women, (c) women with two children suffered higher levels of depression than those without children, and (d) women who had no higher education demonstrated higher levels of depression than those that had some form of higher educational degree. With regard to exercise, the results indicate that there are statistically significant differences between the group of women that go to a gym or that take part in some type of regular physical activity program (lower levels of depression) when compared to those that do not go to the gym or do not take part in any program. These results are discussed and some plans for action to improve the perception of women's mental health are proposed.