scholarly journals Health-Related Quality of Life and Physical Activity in a Community Setting

Author(s):  
Marta Gil-Lacruz ◽  
Ana Isabel Gil-Lacruz ◽  
Paola Domingo-Torrecilla ◽  
Miguel Angel Cañete-Lairla

This article analyses how physical activity reinforces each of the dimensions (mental, physical, social, etc.) of the health-related quality of life concept. To that end, we determined whether this relationship is moderated by educational level and area of residence. The empirical part was based on data obtained from a cross-sectional survey carried out in the Casablanca neighbourhood (Zaragoza, Spain). The sample comprised 1083 participants aged between 25 and 84 years residing in the three residential areas of this neighbourhood: Viñedo Viejo, Las Nieves and Fuentes Claras. These three areas exhibit significant socio-economic differences in their population. The self-reported questionnaire included the following key information for this study: socio-economic characteristics (sex, age, educational level and area of residence) and health-related quality of life (WHOQOL-Brief: mental health, physical health, social relations and environment). The main results obtained from the descriptive statistics and regression systems were added. Playing a sport or undertaking some physical activity brings many health benefits, both physical and mental. The educational level and area of residence affect this relationship, such that the effects of physical activity are greater for those residents of Casablanca who have a higher educational level and/or live in more favoured areas of this neighbourhood. The results have also been discussed by sex and age group. Investing in innovative programmes in educational institutions and communities to acquire healthy habits and behaviour patterns that take into account socioeconomic differences in the population would be an advisable public health strategy.

SLEEP ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. A201-A201
Author(s):  
Ragy Tadrous ◽  
Julie Broderick ◽  
Niamh Murphy ◽  
Lisa Slattery ◽  
Gillian Quinn ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Narcolepsy can significantly impact the physical and mental wellbeing of people with narcolepsy, and has been associated with significant reductions in quality of life and physical performance. People with narcolepsy demonstrate many barriers to being physically fit and active, such as sleepiness and social isolation. Despite physical functioning and vitality being the most affected domains of health-related quality of life in this cohort, little is known about how physical performance variables are affected in people with narcolepsy. Methods This cross-sectional study profiled the physical performance of adults with narcolepsy attending the Narcolepsy Centre located in St. James’s Hospital. Participants underwent a physical performance test battery that investigated cardiopulmonary fitness, physical activity, muscle strength and endurance. Furthermore, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), symptom severity and sedentary behaviour was ascertained through self-report questionnaires. Results A total of 23 participants were recruited in this study. The majority of participants were female (n=13, 56.52%) and the mean age was 31.53 (± 13.17) years. Physical performance was generally found to be lower than age-and-gender matched normative values for cardiopulmonary fitness, physical activity and muscle strength and endurance. Participants’ completed 42.20 ± 21.41 minutes of moderate-vigorous physical activity daily as measured by actigraphy. Considerable sedentary behaviour was objectively measured in this sample (10.21 hours). Symptom severity was high as measured by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and the Narcolepsy Severity Scale, and participants reported reduced quality of life when compared to general population norms (US, UK, France and Norway). Conclusion Markedly reduced physical performance was identified in this sample of people with narcolepsy, irrespective of participant age, gender and BMI. Future research should explore the role of exercise in improving the physical fitness in people with narcolepsy, and the influence of exercise on HRQoL and symptom severity in this cohort. Support (if any) This study was completed as part of Mr Ragy Tadrous’ Master of Science (MSc) degree in Trinity College Dublin. This degree was co-sponsored by the Physiotherapy Department in St. James’s Hospital, Dublin.


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