Abdurrahim YILDIZ, Safa BARDI, Aziza ROZUMBAYEVA, Elif GÖKSU
İnönü Üniversitesi Sağlık Hizmetleri Meslek Yüksek Okulu Dergisi - 2026;14(1):1-13
This study aimed to evaluate the relationships among physical activity level, postural status, body awareness, loneliness, and quality of life in children attending regional boarding schools. A total of 60 students from regional boarding schools in Sakarya province participated in the study. Physical activity was assessed using the Baecke Habitual Physical Activity Questionnaire (BQHPA), posture with the New York Posture Assessment (NYPA), body awareness with the Body Awareness Questionnaire (BAQ), loneliness with the UCLA Loneliness Scale, and quality of life with the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL). Weak but statistically significant negative correlations were found between loneliness and physical health (r=-0.273, p=0.035), social functioning (r=-0.288, p=0.025), psychosocial health (r=-0.282, p=0.029), and overall quality of life (r=-0.273, p=0.035). Physical activity subdimensions such as leisure time (r=0.367, p=0.004) and sports (r=0.352, p=0.006) were positively associated with quality of life. Regression analyses revealed that psychosocial health significantly predicted loneliness (beta=-0.282, p=0.029). However, posture and body awareness scores were not significantly associated with loneliness or quality of life (p>0.05). Postural abnormalities such as shoulder drop, kyphotic posture, and shoulder protraction were commonly observed among participants. Loneliness emerges as a key psychosocial factor that negatively affects the quality of life of boarding school children, while physical activity contributes positively. Although posture and body awareness did not show significant effects, the prevalence of postural problems highlights future physical health risks. A holistic approach combining physical activity programs, posture education, and psychosocial support is recommended.
