Physical Activity and Quality of Life of the Unemployed Population in Wartime Conditions

The rise in unemployment caused by the wartime conditions has become an integral part of life in Ukraine. In the current dynamic and unstable situation, the issues of physical activity and quality of life are particularly relevant, especially among unemployed individuals of working age. The aim of the study is to investigate the impact of physical activity on the quality of life of unemployed individuals of working age in wartime conditions in Ukraine. Research methods include theoretical analysis of scientific literature and documentary materials; surveys (socio-demographic component), assessment of physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire - IPAQ) and quality of life (Short Form-36 Health Survey - SF-36); and methods of mathematical statistics. The study involved 197 participants (165 women and 32 men) who were unemployed, aged 18 to 62 years. Results: The majority of respondents (80 % of women; 68.8 % of men) had a high level of physical activity. However, the frequency of physical activity during leisure time did not fully meet the WHO recommendations (2020). The interpretation of the quality of life results for the unemployed indicates heterogeneity: minimum and maximum values for some scales ranged from 5 to 100 points (with max=100). The overall physical component (PCS) was 48.95 points, and the overall mental component (MCS) was 41.59 points, with no statistically significant gender differences observed (p > 0.05). Women had significantly higher general health scores compared to men, which may require a differentiated approach to health support programs. Specially organized physical activity in the form of walking, which was the most prolonged during the day, positively influenced the PCS and MCS scores, particularly the role of emotional problems in limiting life activities. Conclusion. Physical activity has a significant positive impact on various aspects of the quality of life of the unemployed in wartime conditions. Walking is an accessible and effective means of maintaining health and social interaction for those who have lost their jobs. At the same time, different types and levels of physical activity can have varying effects on different aspects of quality of life, which should be considered when developing support programs for this socially vulnerable group.