Relationship Between Subjectively Assessed Physical Activity (GPAQ) and Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) of Aging Employees in JIPMER, Puducherry: A Cross-Sectional Analytical Study.

Abstract

Background: Physical activity appears to be one of the most important strategies for preventing physical and mental disorders. Regular physical activity (PA) may prolong life and appears to be a preventative measure against genetic and molecular aging.

Aim: To find the relationship between aging adults' quality of life (QOL) and PA.

Settings and design: This cross-sectional analytical study included administrative staff members of Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry.

Materials and methods: QOL and PA were monitored and assessed using questionnaires (Global Physical Activity Questionnaire [GPAQ] and World Health Organization QOL Brief Version [WHOQOL-BREF]). Statistical analysis was performed with STATA version 14. For continuous variables, descriptive statistics were presented as means and standard deviations (SDs), while categorical variables were given as percentages. The analysis of multivariate linear regression was performed. P < 0.05 was used as the significance level.

Results: A total of 66 subjects were examined, and their mean age was 54.93 (SD 3.26) years. The findings indicated that there were no less-active participants, and that people over the age of 50 were more likely to engage in moderate or vigorous PA. The WHOQOL-BREF findings revealed that people had higher QOL. There was no significant link between WHOQOL-BREF dimensions and GPAQ when the effect of PA patterns on QOL was examined using multivariate linear regression analysis, which was adjusted for covariates such as body mass index and waist circumference.

Conclusion: The amount of physical activity among aging population may differ in different dimensions of QOL.