Relationship between Physical Activity Levels, Quality of Life, and Sociodemographic Attributes among Adults in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia: A Direction toward Sustainable Health

Abstract

Physical activity (PA) improves quality of life (QOL), yet the relationship between PA, QOL, and sociodemographic factors in Saudi Arabia remains underexplored. This study examined this relationship among 369 adults from Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire measured PA levels and QOL using the Arabic versions of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), respectively. Data analyses included chi-square, Mann–Whitney U, and Kruskal–Wallis H tests alongside a multivariate regression analysis. Among the SF-36 scores, marital status (p = 0.005), history of chronic diseases (p = 0.004), and medication use (p = 0.001) showed significant differences; pain (80.6 ± 21.5) and energy/fatigue (63.0 ± 18.5) scored highest and lowest, respectively; and sex was significantly associated with PA levels (p = 0.001). The average total SF-36 score was 69.5 ± 15.7, and 42.5% of participants reported low PA. Participants with moderate PA had significantly higher SF-36 scores (p = 0.003), energy/fatigue (p < 0.0001), emotional wellbeing (p = 0.009), and general health (p = 0.004) scores compared with those with low PA. The significant association between PA and QOL underscores the need for sustainable health programs to enhance and maintain PA in alignment with the Saudi Vision 2030 QOL program. It can also inform the development of targeted interventions to enhance PA levels and improve QOL aspects within communities, considering specific sociodemographic attributes to ensure effectiveness and inclusivity.