Prevalence and risk factors associated with physical inactivity among University Students from Ceará, Brazil

Abstract

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 324 university students to whom the questionnaire "Indicadores de Saúde e Qualidade de Vida de Acadêmicos" was applied.

Results and conclusions: 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. 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.