AbstractThe work of physicians in primary health care is essential in prevention and early detection of health risk factors. To determine the incidence of depression among patients in family medicine clinics, as well as the correlation between depression, risk factors and NCDs, and to determine correlation between depression (PHQ-9 score) and the level of physical activity. The pilot study was conducted from January to March 2010 on 100 patients using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The family doctor randomly interviewed and measured patients’ weight, height, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose and cholesterol and noted the presence of earlier diagnosed non-communicable diseases. The data for 92 patients were processed according to PHQ-9 and IPAQ guidelines. Out of 92 patients, 59 (64,1%) had PHQ-9 score ≤ 4 which suggests the absence of depression. The PHQ-9 score median was within normal limits, therefore, treatment was not required and there was no difference in PHQ-9 score median between patients with respect to age and sex. The level of physical activity was moderate in 39,1%, heavy in 35,9% and walking as physical activity in 25,0% of patients. Correlation coefficient between PHQ-9 score and MET score (r=−0,241) was statistically significant (p<0,05), as well as between PHQ -9 score and anxiety (r=0,27; p<0,01). Most studies show a correlation between depression and physical activity. It is essential to promote physical activity in order to prevent anxiety, depression and non-communicable diseases.

Lack of physical activity is associated with the causes of illness, death and incapacitation. To determine the level of physical activity and the presence of depression, and level of correlation between physical activity and the appearance of depression in patients. In clinic family medicine, with pilot study, in the first half of 2010 years, through the Interview with 141 patients, completed the questionnaires: International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). The data were processed according to the instructions for questionnaires for PHQ-9 and IPAQ. The tested patients were aged 18-69 years, median 44 years (± 14.3). Of the total number of respondents 104 (73.76%) had values of PHQ-9 score ≤ 4. The largest number of respondents during the week 73 (51.77%) had moderate 23 (16.31%) low and 45 (31.91%), vigorous physical activity. Low levels of physical activity is present in people with depression PHQ-9 score of ≥ 5, which require treatment, as compared to subjects whose PHQ-9 score for depression ≤ 4 but no statistically significant difference p>0.05 (χ²=2.477; df=2). With increasing physical activity in patients with PHQ-9 score ≤ 4, increases are the value of the correlation is R2 = 0.85. And vice versa in patients whose PHQ-9 score above 5, with increasing PHQ-9 score reduces the variables for physical activity (R2 = 0.90). Moderate physical activity is associated with a reduction of depression. Physical activity in all age groups is essential for the promotion of health.