Health behaviors and health-related quality of life among middle school children in Southern Appalachia: data from the winning with wellness project

Abstract

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is linked to health status in a variety of conditions. Less is known about the relation between quality of life and modifiable health behaviors, especially among medically underserved populations.

Objective: The purpose of the current study was to examine HRQoL as it relates to physical activity, sedentary behavior, and eating patterns in youth residing in Southern Appalachia.

Methods: The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory and questions on physical activity and eating behaviors was completed by 152 sixth grade students in a regional sample of schools participating in the Winning with Wellness child obesity prevention project.

Results: The current study found higher physical activity levels and lower levels of screen time to be associated with reports of more positive HRQoL.

Conclusions: A more comprehensive understanding of factors surrounding health behavior may hold implications for obesity prevention/intervention programs.