PREFERENCAT PËR AKTIVITETET REKREATIVE SPORTIVE DHE KARAKTERISTIKAT E MËNYRËS SË JETESËS TE POPULLATA E KOMUNËS SË DEÇANIT

Abstract

This study identifies the factors that encourage citizens to take part in recreational sports and the barriers that keep them from doing so. Its goal is to give a detailed picture of active recreational living and personal lifestyle choices, and to examine the negative effects that harmful habits—smoking and alcohol use—have on residents of the city of Decan. The survey analyzed the health‑related behaviors of 142 adult residents of Decan Municipality (72 men, 70 women). A questionnaire collected data in five key areas: (1) participation in recreational sport, (2) tobacco use, (3) alcohol use, (4) dietary habits (meal frequency), and (5) sleep hygiene. Statistical analysis used the chi‑square test (α = 0.05) to evaluate gender differences. Key findings: Recreational physical activity: Only 11 % reported being actively involved; gender difference not significant (p = 0.366). Smoking: 68 % smoked ≥ 10 cigarettes/day; no significant gender difference (p = 0.46). Alcohol use: 18 % of men vs. 9 % of women drank “occasionally” or daily; the difference is statistically significant (χ² = 10.20; p = 0.00). Meals per day: 78 % ate only two meals/day; no gender difference (p = 0.19). Sleep: 77 % slept ≤ 6 hours/day and none reported 8 hours; no gender difference (p = 0.62). Overall, unhealthy behaviors (low physical activity, insufficient sleep, high smoking frequency, and limited meals) are widespread, while alcohol consumption is the only category showing a significant gender variation.