BACKGROUND: Physical inactivity is an important risk factor for chronic diseases in Western societies. AIM: To determine the sociodemographic and motivational factors associated with physical activity in college students. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) -short form- and the "motives for physical activities measure-revised" (MPAM-R) questionnaire were applied to 900 university students aged 20 ± 3 years (60% women). The frequency, level and motivations for engaging in physical activity and associated demographic factors were analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty two percent of students were classified as having a high level of physical activity, 54.8% had a low level and 13.9% were considered inactive. According to MET consumption, 68.9% of students are inactive and only 16.8% of students classified as very active. Ninety two percent of active students performed physical activity for health reasons. A significant association between gender and social motivation was observed. CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of physical inactivity was found in these students. Males showed higher levels of physical activity than females.
BACKGROUND: Physical inactivity is an important risk factor for chronic diseases in Western societies. AIM: To determine the sociodemographic and motivational factors associated with physical activity in college students. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) -short form- and the "motives for physical activities measure-revised" (MPAM-R) questionnaire were applied to 900 university students aged 20 ± 3 years (60% women). The frequency, level and motivations for engaging in physical activity and associated demographic factors were analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty two percent of students were classified as having a high level of physical activity, 54.8% had a low level and 13.9% were considered inactive. According to MET consumption, 68.9% of students are inactive and only 16.8% of students classified as very active. Ninety two percent of active students performed physical activity for health reasons. A significant association between gender and social motivation was observed. CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of physical inactivity was found in these students. Males showed higher levels of physical activity than females.
Authors: Tania Acosta; Rafael Tuesca; Karen Florez; Noël C Barengo; Luis Anillo; Victor Flórez-García; Jorge Acosta; Liliana Carvajal; Sandra de la Rosa; María Julieta Pachón; Pablo Aschner Journal: Front Public Health Date: 2021-01-14