Association between Sedentary Lifestyle and Quality of Life among Young Adults

Abstract

Background: The sedentary lifestyle prevalent among young adults has raised concerns due to its association with decreased quality of life and increased risk of chronic diseases. Physical activity, conversely, is known to enhance health-related quality of life (HRQOL) across various populations. Understanding the dynamics between sedentary behavior, physical activity, and quality of life is crucial for developing effective health interventions. Objective: This study aims to investigate the relationship between physical activity, sedentary behavior, and health-related quality of life among young adults, with a specific focus on the impacts of screen time and physical exercise. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 145 participants from two educational institutions over six months. The WHO Quality of Life scale brief questionnaire and a sedentary behavior questionnaire were employed for data collection. Participants were categorized by gender, marital status, and current health status. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, with the Chi-square test determining the association between variables, and a p-value of less than 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Of the participants, 58.6% were male, and 41.4% were female, with 93.8% being single. The majority (86.9%) reported not being currently ill. A significant relationship was found between computer use for homework and quality of life (Chi-square = 6.405, p = 0.041). Participants engaging in regular physical activity reported higher HRQOL compared to those with sedentary behaviors, indicating an inverse relationship between screen time and HRQOL. Conclusion: The study highlights the negative impact of sedentary behavior, particularly screen time, on health-related quality of life, while reinforcing the benefits of regular physical activity. These findings suggest that interventions aimed at reducing sedentary behavior and promoting physical activity among young adults are crucial for improving HRQOL.