Comparison of Anthropometric Indicators, Blood Pressure, and Level of Happiness in Athletic and Non-Athletic Female Staff in Universities of Medical Sciences in Fars Province

The aim of this study was to compare a number of anthropometric indicators, blood pressure and level of happiness in athletic and non-athletic female staff members of universities of medical sciences in Fars Province. This is a cross-sectional descriptive study, in which 237 athletic women and 241 non-athletic women participated. The data included weight, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, body mass index, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure.To calculate the level of happiness, the Oxford University Happiness Questionnaire was used. The data were analyzed using SPSS, version 13. The results showed that excess weight and obesity were prevalent among female staff members of the universities. The body mass index of athletic women was in a more normal range. The waist-to-hip ratio was lower in athletic women compared to non-athletic women. In happiness, athletic women were superior to non-athletic ones. However, no significant difference was observed between athletic and non-athletic women in their systolic and diastolic blood pressures. It appears that participating in physical exercise can be effective on psychological and physiological aspects of female staff members of universities of medical sciences.