Health Behaviors and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Middle School Children in Southern Appalachia: Data from the Winning with Wellness Project

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is linked to health status in a variety of conditions. Less is known about the relation between quality of life and modifiable health behaviors, especially among medically underserved populations. Objective The purpose of the current study was to examine HRQoL as it relates to physical activity, sedentary behavior, and eating patterns in youth residing in Southern Appalachia. Methods The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory and questions on physical activity and eating behaviors was completed by 152 sixth grade students in a regional sample of schools participating in the Winning with Wellness child obesity prevention project. Results The current study found higher physical activity levels and lower levels of screen time to be associated with reports of more positive HRQoL. Conclusions A more comprehensive understanding of factors surrounding health behavior may hold implications for obesity prevention/intervention programs.