title: Perception of Exercise Lifestyle as a Valid Tool for Prevention and Treatment of Depression in Rural Communities.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study examines perception of exercise lifestyle prescription as a valid treatment for depression among rural patients at a primary care clinic in Texas.
  
  
  METHODS
  The researchers created a depression and exercise survey completed by 104 patients ages 18 and up living in central, economically disadvantaged rural Texas. Logistic regression was used to analyze data obtained.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was a significant difference (p = 0.01) in perception of exercise as a valid treatment for depression as a function of demographic variables, however not as a function of exercise duration (p = 0.12) in the rural primary care clinic's patients. Even though it was not a statistically significant finding, there was a positive correlation found between the amount of exercise engaged in per day and the likelihood to have a positive perception of exercise prescription as a tool in depression prevention and treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Participants between ages 40 to 59 years old, female, and of Hispanic ethnicity independently are most likely to perceive exercise lifestyle as a valid treatment for depression. This is the first study to look specifically at patient perception of exercise as a valid treatment tool for depression not only in rural areas, but also in the nation. Findings from this pilot study may help healthcare service providers learn how to best incorporate exercise prescription into depression prevention and treatment in rural areas, leading to reducing depression epidemics.
authors.affiliation: Medical Student, Department of Family Medicine, Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76107-2699, USA.
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Duong
authors.affiliation: Assistant Professor, Department of Family Medicine, Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76107-2699, USA.
authors.forename: Jenny Seung-Hyun
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Lee
keywords: Depression; Exercise lifestyle practice; Lifestyle medicine; Rural healthcare service