THE POST-COVID-19 PANDEMIC QUALITY OF LIFE: A STUDY OF SPORTS DEPARTMENT STUDENTS.

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the relationship between the post-covid-19 pandemic quality of life (QoL), body composition and physical activity (PA), and to investigate the gender differences in this relationship among college students. The article presents the results of a study on the impact of physical activity and body composition on the quality of life after the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on sports department students. The study aims to comprehensively understand this complex phenomenon and provide significant insights for the academic community and the broader society. Design/methodology/approach: The experimental study included a group of 54 women (age 22 ± 1.63) and 89 men (age 22 ± 1.85). The study included an examination of body composition and BMI and two questionnaires on physical activity level and quality of life. Body composition and BMI analysis was performed using a SECA mBCA 515 (seca GmbH & Co. KG, Hamburg, Germany) with eight electrodes. The same group also completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Version (IPAQ-SF) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF). Findings: The primary findings of this study highlight notable gender disparities in Quality of Life (QoL), physical activity, and body composition among college students following a series of study interruptions and one year of remote learning due to Covid-19. The research revealed that young women exhibited relatively higher levels of physical activity during the pandemic, resulting in better performance on body composition tests compared to the men in the study. Despite the adverse conditions brought about by the pandemic, including the closure of sports facilities and gyms, the authors did not observe any negative changes in women's body composition after 12 months. Conversely, significant and observable changes were noted in men's body composition. Furthermore, the women in the study reported relatively higher QoL levels compared to men in various aspects, including the physical, psychological, social relations, and environmental domains, following the Covid-19 pandemic. The findings of this research may provide valuable insights into the long-term effects of the pandemic on young individuals. It may also offer recommendations for universities, policymakers on how to support and enhance the quality of life for students as they navigate the unique challenges of a post-pandemic society. Research limitations/implications: The main limitation of the included study is a relatively small research group. In future studies, it is also possible to refer to different culturally diverse groups. In this study, the research group was culturally homogeneous, which can also be considered as a research limitation. Originality/value: The enhanced quality of life observed in women is likely attributed to their higher level of physical activity, a conclusion supported by research on body composition. Conducting gender-specific analyses of quality of life data, including studies related to COVID-19 and other specific investigations into sex differences, is of utmost importance. Having insights into these gender disparities in quality of life would serve as a crucial resource for comprehending the effects of a health crisis on both individuals and communities. It would also aid in the development of effective and equitable policies, public health initiatives, and targeted strategies necessary for achieving sustainable development. Undoubtedly, further extensive research in this area is needed to address this issue thoroughly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]