Levels of physical activity among colombian university students

Background: Physical inactivity is an important risk factor for chronic diseases in Western societies. Aim: To determine the sociodemographic and motivational factors associated with physical activity in college students. Material and Methods: The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) -short form- and the "motives for physical activities measure-revised" (MPAM-R) questionnaire were applied to 900 university students aged 20 +/- 3 years (60% women). The frequency, level and motivations for engaging in physical activity and associated demographic factors were analyzed. Results: Twenty two percent of students were classified as having a high level of physical activity, 54.8% had a low level and 13.9% were considered inactive. According to MET consumption, 68.9% of students are inactive and only 16.8% of students classified as very active. Ninety two percent of active students performed physical activity for health reasons. A significant association between gender and social motivation was observed. Conclusions: A high prevalence of physical inactivity was found in these students. Males showed higher levels of physical activity than females.