Physical Activity, Anthropometric Characteristics, and Quality of Life of Middle-Aged Women Living in Rural and Nomadic Areas of Kermanshah Province

Abstract

Background: High physical activity level (PAL) and anthropometric characteristics (AC) are positively associated with quality of life (QoL). Several studies have investigated rural-urban differences in PAL, AC, and QoL. However, cultural and geographical differences have not been studied yet. Objectives: This study aimed to examine PAL, AC, and QoL of middle-aged women living in rural and nomadic Areas of Kermanshah province (Sarpol-e-Zahab, Paveh, and Kangavar cities). Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, using the multi-stage (Cluster) sampling techniques, 1635 nomadic rural women from three cities of Kermanshah province (Sarpol-e Zahab (n = 609); Paveh (n = 480) and Kangavar (n = 546)) were volunteered. After filling out the consent form, the PAL and QOL questionnaires were completed and anthropometric parameters were measured. The PAL was assessed using the Baecke physical activity questionnaire, and the QOL was measured by the QoL Questionnaire (short-form-SF-12). Results: The findings showed that BW, BMI, BFP, and WHR were 68.01 ± 14.90, 27.46 ± 5.33, 29.41 ± 9.28, and 0.91 in Sarpol-e Zahab; 67.90 ± 15.56, 27.88 ± 17.85, 33.03 ± 11.97, and 0.93 in Paveh; and 69.24 ± 14.74, 28.31 ± 5.59, 30.91 ± 11.67, and 0.92 in Kangavar, respectively. In Paveh city, the PAL and QOL (14.37 ± 5.10; 23.08 ± 2.32; P = 0.001, respectively) were significantly higher than Kangavar (12.23 ± 3.18; 20.28 ± 3.32) and Sarpol-e-Zahab (10.57 ± 6.11; 16.24 ± 7.22) cities. A significant association was found between PAL and QOL (P = 0.001). Conclusion: Based on the findings, increasing the PAL of middle-aged women might improve QoL and AC.