Abstract
Introduction: Quality of life (QoL) depends on physical, psychological, and social well-being, with nearly 65% related to lifestyle. Self-esteem and happiness are key factors for improvement, and exercise, through its effects on neurotransmitters, enhances mental health. Considering the prevalence of mental disorders among medical students and the decline in Iran’s happiness ranking, this study investigated the relationship between physical activity, self-esteem, happiness, and life satisfaction among 193 surgical technology students in Yazd Province, Iran.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires, and physical activity levels were classified into three groups based on metabolic equivalent scores. Analyses were performed using SPSS-26 with non-parametric tests and logistic regression.
Results: Most participants were female, single, and dormitory residents. On average, physical activity was moderate, self-esteem and happiness were high, and life satisfaction was moderate to low. Physical activity showed positive and significant correlations with all three psychological variables, with the strongest association observed with happiness. Based on multivariate analysis, physical activity increased the likelihood of high self-esteem, high happiness, and high life satisfaction by 43%, 90%, and 32%, respectively. Gender, academic year, and family income had no significant effects. Overall, findings highlight the importance of physical activity in promoting mental health and QoL among students.
Conclusion: Surgical technology students in Yazd demonstrated moderate physical activity, high self-esteem and happiness, and moderate-to-low life satisfaction. Physical activity was most strongly associated with happiness, underscoring its role in enhancing mental health and student well-being.