EXERCISE, SOCIODEMOGRAPHICS, ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION: A CORRELATIONAL STUDY AMONG WOMEN

The purpose of the present study was to study the relationships that are established between sociodemographic variables and exercise practice with anxiety and depression levels in women. The sample was composed of 200 women from the municipality of Cartagena (Murcia), with ages ranging from 18 to 65 years. The results indicate that there are statistically significant differences among various groups: the women from the 45-54 year age group had higher levels of anxiety and depression; widows demonstrated higher levels of anxiety than single women, and higher levels of depression than married and single women; women with two children suffered higher levels of anxiety and depression than those without children. With regard to exercise, the results indicate that there are statistically significant differences between the group of women that go to a gym or that take part in some type of regular physical activity program (lower levels of anxiety and depression) when compared to those that do not go to the gym or do not take part in any program.