ESTILO DE VIDA ATIVO ENTRE ESTUDANTES DE ENFERMAGEM: UMA ANÁLISE DA PRÁTICA DE ATIVIDADE FÍSICA

Abstract

Introduction: Physical activity (PA) is the voluntary practice of exercises that generate energy expenditure. It can be light, moderate or vigorous, depending on the physical effort and the impact on breathing and heart rate. As well as improving physical health, PA has mental health benefits, reducing stress, anxiety and depression. University students, especially nursing students, face high levels of stress and emotional pressure during their undergraduate studies, which can damage their mental health, aggravated by a lack of physical activity. Objective: To analyze the practice of physical activity among nursing students. Method: A descriptive study carried out with nursing students at the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, CPTL. Data was collected in the first semester of 2024. After accepting and signing the informed consent form, they were asked to complete two instruments: a characterization questionnaire and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) Short version. Results: 62 students took part, 22 (35.5%) from the 1st semester, 18 (29.0%) from the 3rd semester and 22 (35.5%) from the 5th semester. The majority were female (90.3%), aged between 18 and 20. The analysis of the participants by the distribution of the weekly time of PA practiced, categorized according to intensity, showed that 11 (17.7%) were identified as very active, active A 2 (3.2%), active B 8 (12.9%) and active C 16 (25.8%) and active 26 (41.9%). On the other hand, 21 (33.9%) were classified as insufficiently active and 4 (6.5%) as sedentary. Conclusion: This study revealed that rates of ineffective PA are still high, considering that the public understands the benefits of this practice. However, it should be noted that just knowing the benefits does not mean that students will practice them, because academic demands, lack of time and motivation, lack of support and difficulty in getting around favor this practice with still unsatisfactory levels. It is therefore up to universities to develop educational strategies and interventions to increase PA among students, since these lifestyle changes are influenced by the academic routine during professional training.