DOI: 10.36347/sasjm.2021.v07i10.018

Pages: 594-598

Background: Mental health disorders are prevalent in primary care, leading to significant individual and societal burden. Physical activity has been increasingly recognized as a non-pharmacological intervention with potential benefits for mental health. Objective: To review recent evidence on the impact of physical activity on mental health outcomes in primary care patients. Methods: A narrative review of studies published from 2018 to 2024 was conducted, focusing on systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and cohort studies evaluating physical activity interventions in primary care populations with depression, anxiety, or general psychological distress. Results: The evidence supports a moderate effect of structured physical activity interventions in reducing depressive symptoms and anxiety, with additional benefits in quality of life and functional outcomes. Barriers include adherence issues and resource limitations in primary care. Conclusion: Physical activity is an effective adjunctive treatment for improving mental health outcomes in primary care. Implementation requires structured referral pathways, training of primary care teams, and patient-centered interventions to enhance adherence.