Background
Until now, it remained unknown whether and when the hosting of mega-sport events increases quality of life of host city residents. The aim of the study that appeared in the recent issue of BMC Public Health was to assess the changes in quality of life of host city residents over the course of hosting a mega-sport event until three months after the event, depending on residents’ perception of the atmosphere during the event. It is the first study worldwide to measure quality of life via a multi-dimensional scale and and to look at the changes in individuals over time.
The study
The study was conducted in Rio de Janeiro, one of the host cities of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in soccer. Participants were recruited and surveyed online. A questionnaire that was developed by the WHO and that is available in many languages was used to measure quality of life of residents of Rio de Janeiro (n = 281) in three waves in the context of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Perceived atmosphere at the event was measured via a scale developed by Sebastian Uhrich, a colleague from German Sports University Cologne. Piecewise latent growth models were used to analyze individual changes in the four domains of quality of life per se and depending on perceived atmosphere. These dimensions are related to physical health, social health, psychological health, and environmental health.
Results and Implications
Residents who perceived a positive atmosphere rated the social and environmental domains of quality of life more positively right after the end (vs. at the beginning) of the World Cup. This increase sustained until three months after the event. Physical health (particularly at high levels of perceived atmosphere) and psychological health decreased from right after the event until three months after. Thus, there was no positive effect of the hosting of the mega-sport event on the four quality of life domains of the participants per se. The individual changes in quality of life vary by perception of atmosphere and by domain of quality of life. Event organizers and city representatives are encouraged to bid for mega-events and make sure that the city provides a stimulating atmosphere to its residents (e.g., cultural activities, opportunities for leisure activities, and physical activity). Only then there is an increase in quality of life that partly sustains.
Contact
Chair of Sport and Health Management
Prof. Dr. Jörg Königstorfer
Team assistant: Mirjam Eggers
Uptown München Campus D
Georg-Brauchle-Ring 60/62
80992 Munich
Phone +49.89.289.24559
Fax +49.89.289.24642
info.mgt@sg.tum.de