Perception of Exercise Lifestyle as a Valid Tool for Prevention and Treatment of Depression in Rural Communities

BACKGROUND: This study examines perception of exercise lifestyle prescription as a valid treatment for depression among rural patients at a primary care clinic in Texas. METHODS: The researchers created a depression and exercise survey completed by 104 patients ages 18 and up living in central, economically disadvantaged rural Texas. Logistic regression was used to analyze data obtained. RESULTS: There was a significant difference (p = 0.01) in perception of exercise as a valid treatment for depression as a function of demographic variables, however not as a function of exercise duration (p = 0.12) in the rural primary care clinic’s patients. Even though it was not a statistically significant finding, there was a positive correlation found between the amount of exercise engaged in per day and the likelihood to have a positive perception of exercise prescription as a tool in depression prevention and treatment. CONCLUSION: Participants between ages 40 to 59 years old, female, and of Hispanic ethnicity independently are most likely to perceive exercise lifestyle as a valid treatment for depression. This is the first study to look specifically at patient perception of exercise as a valid treatment tool for depression not only in rural areas, but also in the nation. Findings from this pilot study may help healthcare service providers learn how to best incorporate exercise prescription into depression prevention and treatment in rural areas, leading to reducing depression epidemics.