Physical activity and health-related quality of life among adult women in Cali, Colombia: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

To examine the associations of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and walking for transportation (WT) with the physical and mental dimensions of health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) among women. A cross-sectional study was carried out in 2009 among 1,263 women ages 18-59years living in neighborhoods with low and middle-low socioeconomic status in the urban area of Cali. HR-QOL was assessed using the Short Form 8 (SF-8). LTPA and WT were measured using the long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Associations were assessed using linear regression models adjusting for potential confounders. Low (10-149min) and medium-high (at least 150min) levels of WT were negatively associated with the mental and physical dimensions of HR-QOL. Low (10-149min of moderate intensity PA, or 10-74min of vigorous intensity PA) and medium-high (at least 150 or 75min of moderate or vigorous intensity PA, respectively) levels of LTPA were positively associated with both dimensions. Significant interactions were observed between education level and perceived safety from traffic. This study found that WT and LTPA were associated with HR-QOL both in the physical and mental dimensions; however, the direction and magnitude of the association varied by domain. These results highlight the need to better understand the links between PA and HR-QOL in urban contexts from Latin America.