Depression is one of the most common health problems faced by many individuals, especially adults. Adults majorly experience depression as a result of various issues such as employment and financial concerns. As a nurse practitioner, I believe that by engaging in regular activities, at least 30 minutes a day, patients diagnosed with depression can achieve better health outcomes over a one-month timeframe compared to depressed individuals who may have not engaged in any physical activity over the same time-frame.
Nursing Journals
The above hypothesis is supported by Rith-Najarian, Boustani, & Chorpita (2019) and Regehr, Glancy, & Pitts (2013) in their respective studies. Rith-Najarian et al. (2019) conducted a study to examine whether or not prevention programs such as engaging in physical activities can help improve the health outcomes of patients diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and stress. The study comprised two experiment groups: the exercise intervention group and the control group. Patients in the exercise intervention group engaged in physical activities such as joint-relaxation programs, while those in control did not engage at all. Rith-Najarian et al. (2019) conclude that engaging in physical activities can help improve the health outcomes of patients diagnosed with depression. This finding is also supported by the study by Regehr et al. (2013), which contends that those involved in exercise intervention groups experience significant improvement in health outcomes compared to those in control groups.
Importance of the Findings
The findings of the above studies could be beneficial to my practice as they could help me to employ effective intervention programs to ensure that patients diagnosed with depression achieve better health outcomes. I would ensure that my patients achieve better health outcomes by asking them to engage in regular physical activities. Adopting this practice would help my patients to be relieved of the negative stressors that might be contributing to their depression.
References
Regehr, C., Glancy, D., & Pitts, A. (2013). Interventions to reduce stress in university students: A review and meta-analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders, 148(1), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2012.11.026
Rith-Najarian, L. R., Boustani, M. M., & Chorpita, B. F. (2019). A systematic review of prevention programs targeting depression, anxiety, and stress in university students. Journal of Affective Disorders, 257, 568-584. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2019.06.035