The Association between Physical Activity and Quality of Life among University Students
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Abstract
Background: The interplay between physical activity and quality of life, especially among university students, is a critical area of research. University years are pivotal for establishing lifestyle habits, yet many students lead predominantly sedentary lives. The health implications of this inactivity are significant, warranting an in-depth examination of the relationship between physical activity levels and perceived quality of life.
Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the association between physical activity and quality of life among university students, aiming to quantify their activity levels and understand how these levels relate to their overall well-being.
Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted over four months at Nur International University, Superior University, and Fatima Memorial College of Medicine and Dentistry. A non-probability convenience sampling technique was employed to recruit 350 university students aged 18-30 years, who typically sat for 4-5 hours per day and had no history of fatal disease. Data were collected using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the EQ-5D questionnaire. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, encompassing descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: The study found that 96.3% (n=337) of participants engaged in minimal physical activity, 1.1% (n=4) in moderate activity, and 2.6% (n=9) in vigorous physical activity. Regarding quality of life, 41.7% (n=146) reported the best quality, 58.0% (n=203) average, and 0.3% (n=1) worst. A positive correlation was observed between physical activity levels and quality of life, with those engaging in higher levels of physical activity tending to report better quality of life.
Conclusion: The study concludes that there is a positive association between physical activity and quality of life among university students. Most participants displayed minimal physical activity levels, which correlated with an average quality of life. These findings highlight the necessity for interventions to increase physical activity among university students, thus potentially improving their quality of life.
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