Perceived social variables related to physical activity levels in university students

Mini-Oral Presentation C3.4

Authors

  • Claudia M. Espinosa-Méndez Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla
  • Darlene Kluka Independent Sport Management Consultant; University of Pretoria
  • Rodrigo I. Aguilar-Enríquez Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla
  • Sebastian L. San Martin-Rodríguez Centro Mexicano Universitario de Ciencias y Humanidades

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.778

Keywords:

Social Variables, Physical Activity, University Students

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this research was to analyze the social variables related to the level of physical activity with university students in Mexico. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, in which an ad hoc survey was applied where data of study variables were collected: level of physical activity and social influences (parents, friends, teachers, neighborhood). The sample consisted of 400 university students (268 men and 132 women) between the ages of 16 and 30 years. Results: Descriptive and qualitative relationship analysis through crosstabs (chi square), using variable recoding showed that 75% of the respondents were at moderate to high physical activity levels, showing a positive relationship between the level of physical activity and the perception of it with friends (X2 .04), as well as dependent on parents and friends to encourage physical activity and that the neighborhood in which they live is safe (X2 .05) without difference between men and women. No positive associations were found relative to the importance that parents gave to physical activity or if they were physically active prior to, not linked to the existence of recreation areas near homes or if neighbors were physically active. There was also no link between the level of physical activity and the influence of teachers relative to physical activity encouragement. Conclusion: A higher level of physical activity exists when parents and friends encourage the person and when friends participate together in a safe neighborhood. Teachers, recreation areas near home, neighbors, and family members participating in physical activity show no influence on the level of physical activity of the person.

Published

2021-09-30

How to Cite

Espinosa-Méndez, C., Kluka, D., Aguilar-Enríquez, R., & San Martin-Rodríguez , S. (2021). Perceived social variables related to physical activity levels in university students: Mini-Oral Presentation C3.4. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.778