Physical activity and quality of life among adults in Maiduguri, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Engaging in sufficient physical activity (PA) improves health and quality of life (QOL) across all ages.
Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between demographic variables, PA and QOL among adults in Maiduguri, Nigeria.
Methods: A total of 390 apparently healthy male and female adults (age range =18–65 years) in Maiduguri participated in the study. PA level was assessed with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire- Short Form. Health-related QOL was assessed using the physical and mental components summary scales (PCS & MCS) of the MOS Short Form-12 health survey questionnaire. Pearson’s correlation was used to explore the relationships between age, PA and QoL of the participants.
Results: The mean age of the participants was 29.51±10.12 years. About half of the participants were males (52.8%) and employed (54.4%). Age was inversely correlated with total PA (r= -0.13, P<0.001) and PCS (r= -0.32, P<0.001). Total PA was negatively correlated with PCS (r= -0.13, P= 0.010) but positively with MCS (r= 0.17, P= 0.001). There was significant difference in total PA (P<0.001), PCS (P<0.001) and MCS (P<0.05) between female and male, and also between the employed and unemployed. Also, there was significant difference in PCS (P<0.001) and MCS (P= 0.003) between participants with higher education and those with non-formal education.
Conclusion: Significant relationships were found between demographic variables, PA and QOL components among the participants. These results affirm that PA is important to improving the QOL of adults in Maiduguri.