Physical activity and health-related quality of life in schoolchildren: structural equations analysis

Abstract The aim of this research was to develop an explanatory model of body mass index (BMI), health-related quality of life, and physical activity, and to analyse the effects of the physical variables on the levels of physical activity, self-esteem and health-related quality of life. A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 631 Spanish schoolchildren (12.5 ± 1.4 years old). They completed questionnaires on self-esteem (Rosemberg test), physical activity (PAQ-C), Mediterranean diet (KIDMED), quality of life (KIDSCREEN-27) and had their BMI and maximum oxygen uptake measured. Structural equations constituted the statistical analyses. A correlation was found between lower BMI and fewer hours of self-reported screen time which was also conducive to higher cardio-respiratory levels and greater engagement in physical activity. More physical activity and better dietary care were related generally with higher health-related quality of life and self-esteem. The model demonstrated acceptable goodness of fit. Findings of the study suggest physical activity and positive dietary behaviours should be promoted in Spanish schools as incremental improvements have the potential to concordantly improve a large range of healthful outcomes including health-related quality of life, self-esteem and BMI.