Determinants and patterns of physical activity practice among Spanish university students

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the socio-demographic and lifestyle determinants of physical activity practice, as well as the motivations for being or not being physically active in Spanish university students. A representative sample of students from a Spanish university (n = 2,051; 42.1% males; mean age 21.9, s = 4.8 years) participated in the present cross-sectional study. A questionnaire including questions regarding lifestyle, dietary habits, parents' characteristics, and physical activity habits was administered to the students. The socio-demographic and lifestyle determinants of physical activity practice were assessed using multivariable logistic regression. 68.4% of men and 48.4% of women reported to practise physical activity in the present sample. Those who practised physical activity consumed more fruits and were less likely to be smokers compared to non-physically active students. Also, physically inactive men spent more time in front of the computer and physically inactive women spent more time in front of the TV and were more likely to be frequent alcohol consumers. Maternal educational level and maternal physical activity habits were also important determinants of physical activity practice among men and women respectively. In conclusion, physically active students tended to engage in other healthy habits in the present population, suggesting the clustering of healthy or unhealthy lifestyle factors among specific subgroups.

Calcium, magnesium and phosphorus dietary intake in active and sedentary Polish students

“…Suboptimal calcium and magnesium dietary intake increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, hypertension and osteoporosis [31,34]. Additionally, high dietary phosphorus intake increases the risk of CVD in subjects with normal kidney function and causes hormonal disturbances related to bone health [10].…”

“…Lake et al [25] demonstrated that active subjects aged 16-20 years consume less fat and more carbohydrates in comparison with their sedentary counterparts. Similarly, many studies have demonstrated a significant positive relationship between fruit and vegetable consumption and participation in physical activity in adolescents and young adults [1,30,34]. Moreover, Barzegari et al [3] noted better nutrition knowledge and food habits in active college students.…”

Comportamento da prática esportiva do estudante de enfermagem

“…However, this panorama was also not particular to this population since other studies (e.g. Canada (22) , the United States (23) , Portugal (5) and Spain (24) ) also found similar profiles to those of students in higher education in relation to frequency and adherence to practicing sports, thereby showing that both (adhesion and frequency to practicing sports) do not reach the recommended minimum frequency in this population.…”

Experiences of Health Related Lifestyles in High Body Fat but Non-obese Female College Students in Korea

“…Romaguera et al [5] reported that physical activity was positively related to eating fruits and vegetables and negatively related to smoking tobacco. Also, Brandao et al [6] reported that female college students tend to be more inactive in the upper grade.…”