How Smoking Affects Quality of Life in Physically Active Individuals: A Study on Moderate-to-High Activity Levels

Introduction: Quality of life (QoL) is influenced by physical health, psychological well-being, environmental factors, and healthy lifestyle choices. Smoking has been shown to reduce QoL, while physical activity generally enhances it. Given the high prevalence of tobacco and varying levels of physical activity, it is essential to investigate whether the adverse effects of smoking persist even among individuals who engage in moderate to high levels of physical activity. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in November-December 2024 in Sukoharjo Regency, involving 303 respondents selected based on specific inclusion criteria. Data were collected using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), the Glover-Nilsson Smoking Behavioral Questionnaire (GNSBQ), and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQoL-BREF). Statistical analysis included chi-square tests and regression analysis to determine the association between smoking habits and QoL. Result: The results indicated a significant association between smoking habits and QoL (p<0.05). Notably, heavy smokers reported lower QoL scores (31.7% good quality of life and 32.7% fair quality of life) compared to non-smokers or light smokers. This finding emphasizes that despite high physical activity levels, heavy smoking significantly detracts from QoL. Conclusion: Heavy smoking adversely impacts QoL, even in individuals with high levels of physical activity. Thus, it is crucial to implement targeted smoking reduction strategies and promote physical activity to enhance QoL. Public health policies and intervention programs should prioritize these aspects to foster healthier lifestyles among at-risk populations.