Social and hygienic factors of the quality of life of young athletes

Abstract

Sports activities are associated with significant physical and psychological stress and can have a negative impact on the health of children and adolescents, reducing the quality of life of young athletes. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the indicators of physical and socio-psychological components of the quality of life of adolescents who play sports in the framework of youth sports schools. Materials and methods. The analysis includes data from a study of 58 male athletes aged 14–17 years engaged in the sections of football, kickboxing and skiing duathlon of the youth sports school. We used survey methods, multi-dimensional assessment of child anxiety (MODT), and the quality of life of young athletes was assessed using the PedsQL ™ method for children aged 13 to 18 years. The features of the components of the athletes ‘day regimen that reduce the quality of life of young athletes include: reduced sleep duration, multiple meals, a significant optional load, intensive use of gadgets during rest periods. Statistically significant differences were found in the assessment of quality of life parameters depending on the type of sports activity, which is due to the specifics of the training process and the severity of sports loads. An age-related trend towards a decrease in the quality of life among athletes of older adolescence was found, which may be a consequence of an increase in training and training loads. The most significant correlations of the assessment of the quality of life of adolescents were established with such parameters as the age of athletes, the severity of training and sports load, emotional and social anxiety. Conclusion. The results of the study showed that not only medical, but also socio-psychological factors affect the health of teenagers who play sports. Assessment of quality of life indicators should be used as part of comprehensive support for young athletes, which will ensure their physical and psychoemotional well-being.