Physical Activity Epidemiology of University Students

Abstract

Background Moderate and vigorous physical activity is essential to maintain proper body composition and reduce the risk of ischemic heart disease, diabetes and cancer. In addition, it reduces the risk of stroke, hypertension and depression. Even so, it is an essential determinant of energy expenditure and, therefore, fundamental for energy balance and weight control. The objective of this epidemiological study is twofold: to quantify and qualify the physical activity of students at a federal public university in the Brazilian Midwest and to compare the level of physical activity of incoming and senior students, by sex and by campuses, considering the distance from large centers population. Method A questionnaire adapted for the Brazilian population was used, whose results were subjected to a normality test and the differences between groups were compared. Statistical significance was set at p <0.05. All results are presented as mean and standard deviation. Results 18,986 students enrolled on the 5 UFMT campuses, 9,720 students accessed the questionnaire. Of these, 7,379 had their answers validated, corresponding to 75.92% of accesses or 38.87% of the universe studied. This study found differences in the level of physical activity among university students, observing less physical activity on the Rondonópolis campus, less physical activity of students in the areas of Linguistics and Humanities, when compared with students from other areas, less physical activity of female students. when compared to male students and less physical activity among enrolled students compared to undergraduate students. Conclusions The results suggest the need for greater investment in policies to promote physical activity among university students in all fields.