Research Report on Sports and General Well-being in Youth from MAKÜ

The research conducted by Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University (MAKÜ) with the participation of 4794 students examined in depth the sports habits of young people and the effects of these habits on their quality of life. The research results highlight the positive effects of regular sports on mental, physical, and social health, while revealing that a significant portion of young people are far from engaging in sports. MAKÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Dalgar, Rector's Advisor Prof. Dr. Ali Murat Alparslan, and Assoc. Dr. Seher Yastıoğlu made statements regarding the findings. 

Sports Preferences of Young People: According to the research, the most popular sport is volleyball with 22.2%, followed by football with 19.2%, running with 16%, fitness with 14.7%, and swimming with 14.2%. However, it is noteworthy that 35% of young people do not engage in any sports.

Swimming and Walking: The Most Effective Branches: The research revealed that sports such as swimming and walking are the most effective branches on the quality of life of young people. These sports provide significant positive effects on stress management, strengthening social bonds, physical health, and sleep quality. Our university has included encouraging programs for these two branches on its agenda.

The Importance and Opportunities of Nature Sports: It was determined that 70.1% of young people never participate in nature sports, and only 2.9% regularly engage in nature sports. However, the research reveals that participation in nature sports has a strong healing effect especially on quality of life, psychological health, and social relationships. Being intertwined with nature creates tranquility while also supporting physical fitness. Additionally, it is known that nature sports conducted as group activities strengthen interpersonal social bonds.

The Hidden Threat of Digital Games: Effects on Health and Social Life

It has been observed that with the increase in digital game time, the physical health of young people weakens and their social relationships are negatively affected. In addition, digital games reduce sleep quality, negatively affecting daily life.

Effects of Sports on Health: The mental well-being score of young people who regularly engage in sports (3.60) is significantly higher compared to those who do not (3.18). While the general health scores of those who regularly engage in sports approach 70%, the health scores of those who do not remain at 40% levels. The effect of physical activity on sleep quality is also quite evident; 44% of young people who do not engage in any sports rate their sleep quality as "quite poor".

Rector: "We Need a Holistic Approach for the Well-being of Young People, Here Sports is a Strategic Area”

Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Rector Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Dalgar evaluated the research results and made the following statements: “Our research revealed that the rate of regular sports participation is at a low level of 14.4%. These results once again show our responsibility to develop different organizational platforms alongside infrastructures that will encourage young people to engage in sports. As the university with the largest sports infrastructure in Turkey, our students are much more advantageous in this regard.”

“We believe that the academic success of our students alone is not sufficient. Societal developments are possible with healthy individuals in every aspect. Not only academic success, but also their psychological, social, and mental well-being are very important. We must consider their development and happiness holistically. We continue our efforts to implement policies that support a healthy life.”