Associations between physical activity levels and quality of life dimensions among Saudi female university students: a cross-sectional analysis using WHOQOL-BREF and IPAQ-SF

Background and Study Aim. Physical activity is a key determinant of health and well-being, particularly among young adults. University students often face lifestyle changes that can affect their overall quality of life (QoL). The present study aimed to explore the relationship between physical activity levels and QoL among Saudi female university students. Material and Methods. A cross-sectional design was implemented, involving 483 female undergraduates aged 18–24 years at Umm Al-Qura University. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form (IPAQ-SF) was employed to evaluate participants’ physical activity levels, while QoL was measured using the WHOQOL-BREF scale. Participants were classified into three physical activity categories: inactive, minimally active, and health-enhancing physically active (HEPA). QoL scores were categorized into poor, moderate, and good/high. Data were analyzed using variance analysis, chi-square analysis, and Friedman tests to assess group differences and the strength of associations. Results Significant differences were observed in weekly metabolic equivalents across physical activity levels (p < .001). Significant variations also emerged across QoL domains. The environmental and psychological dimensions received the highest ratings. Physical activity and QoL classifications were strongly associated (χ²(4, N = 483) = 451.244, p < .001), supported by large effect sizes (Cramer’s V = .683). Among inactive students, 47.6% reported poor QoL, and none achieved high QoL. In contrast, 99.4% of those in the HEPA group reported good or high QoL. Conclusions. Higher physical activity levels were strongly associated with better QoL. These findings highlight the importance of tailored physical activity initiatives in university settings to promote student well-being.