RESEARCH PAPER
Association between leisure-time physical activity and mental and physical health among Iranian women: a cross-sectional study
1
Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
2
Doctoral School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
3
Ensana Thermal Margaret Island, Health Spa Hotel, Budapest, Hungary
4
Graduate Faculty of Environment, University of Tehran, Teheran, Iran
Submission date: 2026-02-05
Final revision date: 2026-04-19
Acceptance date: 2026-05-26
Online publication date: 2026-06-17
Corresponding author
Sara Nasirimoghadam
Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, Vörösmarty str. 4, H-7621 Pécs, Hungary
Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, Vörösmarty str. 4, H-7621 Pécs, Hungary
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Background:
Women’s physical and mental health in Middle Eastern populations remains under researched. This study aimed to examine the association between physical activity and depression among women, considering sociodemographic and health-related factors.
Material and methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted in Kerman, Iran, between June and December 2023 using an online questionnaire. A total of 105 women participated (mean age 36.01±13.25 years). Data included sociodemographic, health behaviors, depression, and physical activity. Statistical analysis included Spearman’s correlation and non-parametric tests.
Results:
A significant negative association was found between leisure-time physical activity and depression (r=-0.57, p<0.001). Physical activity levels differed according to education (p=0.003) and profession (p=0.020). Higher depression scores were observed among women with anemia (p=0.023). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that physical activity remained significantly associated with depression (β=-0.559, p<0.001). Fast-food and caffeine intake were associated with diet (p=0.019, p=0.033).
Conclusions:
Higher levels of physical activity were associated with lower levels of depression among women. These findings underscore the importance of physical activity in strategies to improve mental health.
Women’s physical and mental health in Middle Eastern populations remains under researched. This study aimed to examine the association between physical activity and depression among women, considering sociodemographic and health-related factors.
Material and methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted in Kerman, Iran, between June and December 2023 using an online questionnaire. A total of 105 women participated (mean age 36.01±13.25 years). Data included sociodemographic, health behaviors, depression, and physical activity. Statistical analysis included Spearman’s correlation and non-parametric tests.
Results:
A significant negative association was found between leisure-time physical activity and depression (r=-0.57, p<0.001). Physical activity levels differed according to education (p=0.003) and profession (p=0.020). Higher depression scores were observed among women with anemia (p=0.023). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that physical activity remained significantly associated with depression (β=-0.559, p<0.001). Fast-food and caffeine intake were associated with diet (p=0.019, p=0.033).
Conclusions:
Higher levels of physical activity were associated with lower levels of depression among women. These findings underscore the importance of physical activity in strategies to improve mental health.
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