Level of sedentarism among university students in Rio Grande do Sul and possible associated factors

DOI: 10.15343/0104-7809.20174103267274

Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate the level of sedentarism among university students in Rio Grande do Sul and the possible associated factors. The study sample consisted of university students from 23 courses enrolled in a higher education institution in Rio Grande do Sul in 2015; totaling 358 students (199 women and 159 men). The level of physical activity was assessed through the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and for other information, a sociodemographic questionnaire was applied. The comparison between the proportions of active and sedentary individuals was performed using the chi-square test with a significance level of 5%. The main result of the study indicated that 41% of the students are sedentary, and some of the factors associated with the sedentary lifestyle are being female, having a chronic disease, and studying for more than two years in the institution. Still, among men, being overweight also confers an association with a sedentary lifestyle. Thus, we conclude that a large proportion of university students in Rio Grande do Sul are on a sedentary level, and these results are similar to those in other regions of the country.