Abstracts Category : Other

Health-Related Quality Of Life And Physical Activity In University Employees

by Meghan Hoefs

Background: Health-related quality of life (HRQL) reflects an individuals subjective perception. The relationship between health-related quality of life and physical activity has been investigated in various populations, but is not well-documented in University employees. Additionally, variables such as an individuals beliefs about physical activity and their satisfaction with functioning at work have yet to be investigated in this population. Little is known about the relationship between HRQL and these variables. Purpose: Evaluate the relationships among multiple measures of HRQL and physical activity in University employees and provide a descriptive picture of the University population. Methods: Participants (N = 324, M age = 41.07 years, sex = 70.6% female) completed an online questionnaire which included the SF-36v2 to measure HRQL. Results: The University employees were primarily sedentary and more physically active in their leisure time compared to time spent at work. HRQL scores were comparable to general population norms, with the Mental Component Score (MCS) being slightly diminished in the employees. A stepwise linear regression analysis indicated that satisfaction with functioning at work was the best predictor for MCS. The best predictor for Physical Component Score (PCS) was beliefs about physical activity. Self-reported physical activity or sedentary activity were not significant predictors for HRQL. Conclusions: The findings support that University employees show differences in MCS and physical activity when compared to the general population, and that beliefs about physical activity and satisfaction with functioning at work are significant variables for predicting HRQL.