Abstract

Author(s): Sandra FONSECA1, Michelle PONTE2, Eduarda COELHO1, João DA FONSECA2, Isabel MOUR

Introduction: Unhealthy lifestyles are observed in different populations, including university students. Sedentary behavior is seen as a habit that raises serious public health concerns. The university should present itself as an environment for experimentation, exploration and reflection that promotes the life, health and well-being of its students.

Objective: To know the sociodemographic factors and the links with the university associated with physical inactivity in university students in Brazil.

Material and Methods: Cross-sectional and descriptive study. Stratified and proportional sample composed of 322 university students to whom the questionnaire “Indicadores de Saúde e Qualidade de Vida de Académicos” was applied.

Results: 42% of the students were inactive. Students with 5 years of college attendance, those who attend the afternoon and evening classes are more likely to be inactive. Female students who work 40 hours or more, have been in college for more years, and attend the night classes are more likely to be inactive. Female students are more likely to be inactive than male students.

Conclusion: University students have a high prevalence of physical inactivity. The variables sex, hours of work and study and number of years in university are associated with physical inactivity. The university space does not present itself as a health promoter. It is imperative to develop effective health promotion policies in the university context with the intention of providing changes that lead to a higher quality of life.