THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE AMOUNT OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND GENERAL HEALTH IN URMIA MEDICAL UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Physical activity is an important component of the various aspects of life, and pay ing attention to th is issue has an important role on the mental health of students. Considering the importance of physical activity and fitness and mental health and the role of student's educational system, a study was conducted to examine the relationship between physical activity and general health of the student s of the Urmia University of Medical Sciences. 300 students were selected randomly as statistical sample. T o collect the data, a questionnaire including personal characteristics, general health standards (GHQ28), and Beck Physical Activity Questionnaire were used. For data analysis, descriptive and inferential statistical methods (T, Pearson correlation and multiple regression) were used. The Mean physical activity of the students is less than average, and the mental health of more than half of the participants were below standard. The results showed a significant correlation between the total score of physical activity and exercise with mental health, and mental health components with leisure time (p<0.05). Also the physical activity in leisure time has the ability to predict (22) percent of the amount of mental health. The results showed that in general, there was a significant positive correlation between the amount of physical activity and mental health in the population under study. In other words, physical activity participation leads to increased levels of mental health in a given community.