Associations Between Leisure-Time Physical Activity, Morphometric Indicators, and Self-Rated Health in Socially Vulnerable Working-Age Populations
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29038/2220-7481-2025-04-11-18Keywords:
leisure-time physical activity; hypokinesia; morphometric indicators; self-rated health; physical load; military personnel; unemployed individuals; internally displaced personsAbstract
Relevance. The problem of hypokinesia among socially vulnerable populations has become increasingly significant in the context of socioeconomic instability and forced migration processes. At the same time, total physical activity indicators do not always reflect the actual training effect of physical loads on the body, which necessitates a domain-specific analysis and identification of the most informative behavioral markers of adaptive status. Purpose. The aim of the study was to determine the associations between leisure-time physical activity, morphometric indicators, and self-rated health in socially vulnerable working-age populations. Methods. The study involved 513 participants: military personnel (n = 176), internally displaced persons (n = 140), and unemployed individuals (n = 197). Physical activity levels across different domains were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Body mass index (BMI) was calculated using the standard formula. Self-rated health was evaluated based on questionnaire data. Non-parametric statistical methods and correlation analysis were applied (p<0,05). Results and Conclusions. Significant between-group differences in leisure-time physical activity were identified: military personnel demonstrated levels 2,4–2,9 times higher than internally displaced persons and unemployed individuals (p<0,05). Lower levels of physical activity were associated with higher BMI values and a greater proportion of negative self-rated health. Correlation analysis confirmed stable associations between behavioral, morphometric, and subjective indicators within each group. The obtained results allow leisure-time physical activity to be considered an informative indicator of adaptive capacity in socially vulnerable working-age populations.
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