This study aimed to investigate the association between physical activity and mental health among medical sciences students. A total of 381 medical sciences students (mean age 21.45 ± 2.08 years) participated in this online cross-sectional study using proportionate faculty-based quota recruitment with voluntary participation. Participants completed the General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) and the Baecke Physical Activity Questionnaire (BPAQ). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, group-comparison tests, multiple linear regression, and Pearson’s correlation coefficients. Higher Baecke physical activity scores were weakly-to-moderately associated with lower psychological distress (r = −0.274, 95% CI: [−0.365 to −0.179, P < 0.01). Female students reported greater distress (mean GHQ-28: 29.51 vs. 24.40) and lower physical activity scores than males (P < 0.001). Mental health scores did not differ significantly by academic level, semester, or faculty. The findings indicate an inverse association between physical activity and psychological distress; however, the cross-sectional design does not establish directionality or causality. Longitudinal and interventional studies are needed before effectiveness of structured physical activity programs can be inferred from these data.
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Manafi et al. (2026) studied this question.