Relationship between Physical Activity and Depression Score Patients with Schizophrenia

Author(s): Djoko Priyono, Yoga Pramana

This study was conducted to identify the correlation between physical activity and depression score in patients with Schizophrenia. A cross sectional study involving 67 patients with schizophrenia was conveniently recruited from the inpatient ward of a mental health hospital in West Kalimantan, Indonesia. International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia was used to assess the level of Physical Activity and Depression in patients with Schizophrenia. Descriptive statistics was used to determine caregivers’ socio-demographic characteristics, level of physical activity and depression. Spearman Rho correlation test was conducted to determine the relationship of physical activity and depression in patients with Schizophrenia. About 52.3% of schizophrenic patients had moderate to mild level of physical activity. The result showed that there was a significant, strong and positive correlation between physical activity and depression (r = 0.859, p=0.000). Most of the participants showed symptoms of depression. The findings indicated that lower physical activity was correlated with higher depression score in patients with schizophrenia. It is necessary to improve the mental health nursing services for patients with schizophrenia by scheduling their regular physical activity to minimize depression.