Abstract

Introduction and objectives: This research was conducted to determine the mental health status of individuals who participate in sport.
Methods: Research is planned in a descriptive relational type. The study was conducted with face-to-face interviews with 143 people who participate in sport. In gathering the data; the information form prepared by the researchers questioning the socio-demographic information of the individuals and the General Health Questionnaire were used. The sample of the research has been formed by sports over 18 years of age who have been educated. In determining the sample of the research, the universal sampling method was used. The number and percentage distributions of the demographic data were used in the evaluation of the study and the chi square test was used to evaluate the relationship between the socio demographic characteristics and the general health.
Results: When the socio-demographic characteristics of the sports were examined, the mean age was 31.12 ± 3.24, 48.3% were female, 51.7% were male, 51.6% were married 48.4% were single, 49%, 68 were high school graduates, 47.61% were chronic illnesses and 50.37% had daily sports for 1-5 hours. When the mood states of the athletes were evaluated according to the GSA-12 score, 41.4% were low (<2 points), 36.36% were middle (2-3 points) and 21.39% were high) were found. When the socio-demographic characteristics of the sports and general health questionnaire score were examined, it was found that the mental health of the men was better and the difference was statistically significant (χ2=3.147, p<0.05).
Conclusions: When the results obtained from the study are evaluated, women, marriages, high school graduates, those with chronic illnesses and those with 1-5 hours of daily sports are at risk for mental health.

Keywords: Sports; Mental health; General health