The relationship between participating in public sports and life expectancy in the staff of Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran

BACKGROUND: One of the most important causes of psychological problems is the loss of life expectancy. Life expectancy plays a very important role in mental health, quality of life and self-esteem. This research was conducted to investigate the relationship between public sports and life expectancy in the staff of Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran. METHODS: Using Krejcie-Morgan table, 369 individuals were selected via random sampling. Data were collected using standardized physical activity questionnaire of Bahram and Shafizadeh, and life expectancy questionnaire of Snyder and Forsyth. Data analysis was performed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov, binomial, Mann Whitney U, and Spearman correlation coefficient tests. RESULTS: Men s participation rate in general and recreational activities was higher than that of women employees. However, the rate of life expectancy for staff of Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences was not favorable. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of the present study, it is suggested to the officials and managers of Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences to promote sports and recreational programs in order to increase the level of life expectancy in the staff.