Abstract

VELASQUEZ, Maria T; TORRES-NEIRA, Danilo  and  SANCHEZ-MARTINEZ, Henry. Psychological analysis of university students’ physical activity in Bogotá, Colombia. Rev. salud pública [online]. 2006, vol.8, suppl.2, pp.1-12. ISSN 0124-0064.

Objective Determining and explaining inherent psychological features in the non-practice, practice and maintenance of physical activity in the Universidad Nacional de Colombia’s students during 2004. Methods The precaution adoption process (PAP) model was used for understanding physical activity patterns from leading sedentary lifestyles to forming active ones. Psychological features are presented from health psychology and sports psychology viewpoints. The PAP model was adapted for explaining the behaviour in question; psychological features were carefully considered during each stage of behavioural change. The adaptation was validated by designing and applying a psychometric instrument evaluating the tendency of students from the U. Nacional to practice, not practice and maintain their physical activity. Results Applying the instrument revealed the influence and relationship of the psychological features directly involved in the stages of the proposed model. Conclusions The model was a solid theoretical and methodological construct, suitably expressing all psychologist features intervening in the non-practice, practice and consolidation of physical activity. The model can thus be used in creating an intervention strategy related to promoting health and preventing disease through encouraging active lifestyles.

Keywords : Motor activity; health promotion; life style; quality of life.

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