Steps to Happiness: The Influence of Physical Activity on the Mental Health of Undergraduate Students from a South African University

The treatment of mental health disorders have been described by World Health Organisation as a fundamental component of human health. One way of alleviating the onset of mental health symptoms is through regular physical activity engagement. However, depression, anxiety, and stress have been identified as global public health concerns, particularly in developing countries and among undergraduate university students. This study explored the influence of physical activity on the mental health of undergraduate students from a South African university. A sequential explanatory mixed method design was employed. Previously validated questionnaires such as the IPAQ-SF and DASS-21 were utilised to examine the physical activity levels and the prevalence of mental health symptoms among a convenient sample of undergraduate university students (n = 534). Descriptive data was analysed using SPSS V29. Semi-structured interviews commenced with a convenient sample of students (n = 18). Data was thematically analysed using Atlas Ti V8. Students were physically inactive (29%), particularly in the faculty of Dentistry (35.4%). More than a third of the students in the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Community and Health Sciences were minimally active: 36.1% and 35.0%, respectively. The prevalence of mental health among students was depression (23.2%) and anxiety (40.6%). These were considered as being extremely severe with more males (41.5%) than females (39.9%) experiencing anxiety. However, stress was found to be within normal levels among the majority of students (43.1%). Students mentioned that engaging in physical activity positively influenced their mental health by maintaining mental well-being, facilitating life balance and assisting individuals in navigating challenging life circumstances. Physical activity may serve as a proactive approach to coping with mental health symptoms. By considering these results universities could proactively contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being.