Efecto de un programa de promoción de hábitos de vida saludables sobre los niveles de actividad física y el comportamiento frente a la actividad física en jóvenes de una universidad de Bogotá

Introduction: Low levels of Physical Activity (PA) are the main cause of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and are related to lifestyle risk factors in the university population. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate lifestyle habits and behaviors in this population. Objective: Design and determine the effect of a program of healthy lifestyle strategies on the levels and change of PA behavior of university students in Bogota. Methodology: Prospective longitudinal study, pre and post in young university students in Bogota, Colombia. The short version of the IPAQ questionnaire and a questionnaire of the behavioral state of change in PA were applied. A 13-week program aimed at promoting PA in the population was implemented. Results: Eighty-one students participated with a mean age of 19.5 years (SD 2.1), mostly women (85.2%). Significant differences were found in the total MET-min/week after implementing the program (p=.032). Additionally, differences were obtained in low (p<.001) and medium (p=.011) PA levels, as well as in the behavioral stages of contemplation (p=.013) and action (p=.035). Conclusion: The program showed a statistically significant change in the total METS-min/week of PA. However, studies aimed at improving lifestyle habits that not only address PA, but also consider other elements to act from an integral perspective, should be carried out.