[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.