Evaluation of the relationship between physical activity levels and quality of life of air rescue and fire fighting workers

Aim: This study aimed to assess the relationship between the level of physical activity and the quality of life among Airport Search and Rescue (HKYM) personnel. Material and Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on HKYM personnel at Diyarbakır Airport. Participants' sociodemographic characteristics were assessed using a personal data form, and their levels of physical activity and quality of life were evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ Short Form) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale Short Form (WHOQOL-BREF), respectively. Results: The average age of the 42 participants (41 males, 1 female) was 36.90±6.46 (minimum 24-maximum 54). The mean IPAQ total score for HKYM personnel in the study was 2226.49±1998.35. It was found that those ≤30 years old (4263.71±2115.57) were more active than those ≥31 years old (1819.04±1732.16) (p=0.04); singles (3002.54±1869.04) were more active than married individuals (1878.60±1986.30) (p=0.049); and those with ≤10 years of service (3402.73±2312.02) were more active than those with ≥11 years of service (1809.11±1728.74) (p=0.038). The WHOQOL-BREF average scale score for quality of life was higher in males (15.56±2.34), those ≤30 years old (17.47±1.71), singles (16.62±1.97), those with ≤10 years of service (17.04±1.51), non-smokers (15.90±1.83), non-drinkers (15.57±2.49), and those without chronic diseases and medication use (15.86±2.06) in the physical domain. A moderate positive relationship was found between IPAQ total MET (r=0.427, p=0.005), severe MET (r=0.390, p=0.011), mild MET (r=0.327, p=0.035), and WHOQOL-BREF's physical domain, while no significant relationship was observed in other domains (p>0.05). Conclusion: This study contributes to a better understanding of the relationship between the level of physical activity and the quality of life among HKYM personnel. These findings suggest that health-promoting approaches and physical activity-enhancing programs can be planned for married individuals, those aged 30 and above, and those with more than 10 years of service in this professional group. Key Words: Life Quality, Physical Activity Level, Air Rescue and Fire Fighting