EVALUATION OF THE LEVEL OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS IN MEDICAL STUDENTS FROM FORTALEZA – CE

Abstract

The objective was mainly to evaluate the Physical Activity Level in medical students. A cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical questionnaire was held in public and private medical schools and teaching hospitals of Fortaleza. A sample of 840 students, 409 males and 431 females, aged 17-33 years, was selected randomly. We used the International Physical Activity Questionnaire in short version. Most students (72.6%) were classified as sedentary or insuffi- ciently active. Lack of time and body aesthetic, respectively, are the main demotivation and motivation for physical activity. It is suggested additional studies addressed to this population, to establish a more accurate delineation of the factors that lead to physical inactivity.