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Colegio de Medicina Interna de México.

2006, Number 3

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Med Int Mex 2006; 22 (3)

Physical activity in college students: prevalence, characteristics and tendencies

López BJJ, González de COMG, Rodríguez GMC

Language: Spanish
References: 20
Page: 189-196
PDF size: 226.69 Kb.


ABSTRACT

Background: The World Health Organization has indicated that lack of physical activity is among the first ten risk factors related to disability and mortality. In Mexico, the national health inquiry for the year 2000 indicates an increase in teenage obesity. Physical activity, defined as the dynamic exercise of great muscle groups for a minimum of 20 minutes, 3 times a week, has an impact on organic and mental well being.
Objective: To identify characteristics of physical activity in students who enroll at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).
Participants and methods: The Automatized Medical Exam, a self applied instrument that explores health determinants (biological, psychological, environmental, and related to life style), was applied to students enrolled in the classes of 2002, 2003, and 2004.
Results: The study included 146,793 students: 73,699 preparatory school students, 61,801 students in the first year of bachelor’s degree studies, and 11,293 students in the fourth year of bachelor’s degree studies; 46% were males. The percentage of students (males and females, respectively) who report effective physical activity are: 69.9% and 44.9% in high school; 57.5% and 35.2% in the first year of bachelor’s degree studies; 48% and 33% in the fourth year of bachelor’s degree studies. The most common type of exercise is walking, jogging, or running. For women, the most common kinds of exercise are dancing and rhythmic aerobics.
Conclusions: When compared to other countries, the physical activity of our students is lower, especially among women. It is necessary to develop physical activity programs for an integral university education, mainly in women, avoiding the lowering of physical activity as they move higher in the educational level. Exercise must be included in curricular scenarios, and use of leisure time must be oriented towards physical activity.


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