RELATIONSHIP OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG FEMALE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS FROM MONTENEGRO

Abstract

The main goal of this research was to determine the relationship between physical activity and the quality of life of female students from Montenegro. The sample of respondents consisted of 128 female students of the University of Montenegro, average age 20.9±3.28 years. Two measuring instruments were used in the research: a modified short version of the IPAK questionnaire for assessing physical activity (light, moderate, intensive and total) and a modified version of the WHOQOL BREF questionnaire for assessing quality of life (physical health, mental health, social relationships, satisfaction with quality of life). Basic descriptive parameters were calculated for each variable, while regression analysis was used to establish the mentioned relationship. The results showed that female students are moderately physically active, and that total, moderate and intense physical activity is associated with physical health, mental health and satisfaction with social relationships. Total and moderate physical activity aren’t related to satisfaction with quality of life. Light physical activity is only associated with psychological health (concentration, satisfaction with sleep). The results of this study confirmed the significant connection between physical activity and quality of life among female students in Montenegro and represent a strong argument that should initiate an adequate reaction, primarily from the professional and scientific society, but also from the executive authorities in order to strengthen the promotion of the active lifestyle of the student population in Montenegro, and decreasing the epidemic of physical inactivity.