Lifestyle and risk behaviors for chronic noncommunicable diseases among healthcare undergraduates in Midwest, Brazil.

This study aimed to assess the lifestyle of undergraduate university students, and to investigate the prevalence of risk behaviors for chronic noncommunicable diseases. This cross-sectional study took place in Brasilia, with 2.163 healthcare undergraduates. We used a self-administered questionnaire for demographic variables, social class, behavioral data, self-perception of health and self-reported diseases. Given a total of 2.163 students, 69.3% were female, 65.4% were 20-29 years, men smoked more cigarettes (p < 0.01) and used more alcohol than women. We found significant differences in the consumption of beans (p < 0.04) and full-fat milk (p < 0.01) between females and males. Women also had more sedentary lifestyles (p < 0.01) and showed higher prevalences of overweight (33.8%) and obesity (5.0%). Students who did not engage in physical activity were more morbidities, overweight (p = 0.03), consumed more soft drinks (p < 0.01) and meat with excess fat (p = 0.01). University students were found to have unhealthy lifestyles. There is an urgent need for both a formulation and implementation of public health policies to promote health and improve student quality of life (QoL).

Lifestyle and risk behaviors for chronic noncommunicable diseases among healthcare undergraduates in Midwest, Brazil / Estilo de vida e comportamentos de risco para doenças crônicas não transmissíveis entre universitários da saúde na região Centro-Oeste, Brasil

Abstract This study aimed to assess the lifestyle of undergraduate university students, and to investigate the prevalence of risk behaviors for chronic noncommunicable diseases. This cross-sectional study took place in Brasilia, with 2.163 healthcare undergraduates. We used a self-administered questionnaire for demographic variables, social class, behavioral data, self-perception of health and self-reported diseases. Given a total of 2.163 students, 69.3% were female, 65.4% were 20-29 years, men smoked more cigarettes (p < 0.01) and used more alcohol than women. We found significant differences in the consumption of beans (p < 0.04) and full-fat milk (p < 0.01) between females and males. Women also had more sedentary lifestyles (p < 0.01) and showed higher prevalences of overweight (33.8%) and obesity (5.0%). Students who did not engage in physical activity were more morbidities, overweight (p = 0.03), consumed more soft drinks (p < 0.01) and meat with excess fat (p = 0.01). University students were found to have unhealthy lifestyles. There is an urgent need for both a formulation and implementation of public health policies to promote health and improve student quality of life (QoL).

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o estilo de vida dos universitários e investigar a prevalência de comportamentos de risco para doenças crônicas não transmissíveis. Estudo transversal com 2.163 universitários da área de saúde da cidade de Brasília. Foi aplicado um questionário sobre as variáveis demográficas, classe social, comportamentos e autopercepção de saúde e doenças autorreferidas. Dos 2.163, 69,3% eram mulheres, 65,4% idade entre 20 a 29 anos, 66,8% consumiam álcool e 44,2% não realizavam atividade física. Os homens fumavam (p <0,01) e consumiam mais álcool do que as mulheres. Encontramos diferenças no consumo de feijão (p <0,04) e leite integral (p <0,01) entre homens e mulheres. Elas também apresentaram estilos de vida mais sedentários (p <0,01) e elevada prevalência de sobrepeso (33,8%) e obesidade (5,0%). Os estudantes que não praticavam atividade física tinham mais morbidades, estavam acima do peso (p = 0,03), consumiam mais refrigerantes (p <0,01) e carne com excesso de gordura (p = 0,01). Os estudantes têm adotado um estilo de vida pouco saudável. Observa-se a necessidade da elaboração e implantação de políticas públicas de promoção da saúde dentro da Universidade, com vistas à melhoria da saúde e da qualidade de vida dos universitários.

Weight status, physical activity and eating habits of young adults in Midwest Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To assess weight status and eating habits of undergraduate university students in relation to gender and examine the relationships between weight status, physical activity and eating habits. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study conducted between October 2016 and May 2017. SETTING: Young adults in Midwest Brazil. PARTICIPANTS: Undergraduate university students (n 2163) majoring in health care. RESULTS: Among 2163 students, 69·3 % were female, 65·4 % were aged 20-29 years, 66·8% consumed alcohol and 44·2% did not achieve more than 150 min of physical activity per week. We found significant differences in the consumption of beans (P < 0·04) and full-fat milk (P < 0·01) between women and men. Women also had more sedentary lifestyles (P < 0·01) and showed higher prevalence of overweight (33·8 %) and obesity (5·0 %) than men. Students who did not engage in physical activity were more overweight (P = 0·03), consumed more soft drinks (P < 0·01) and meat with excess fat (P = 0·01). There was a positive association between weight status and fruit (P = 0·02), salad (P < 0·01), greens/vegetables (P < 0·01) and beans (P < 0·01) intake. CONCLUSIONS: The low level of physical activity and unhealthy eating patterns reported by the study participants were inconsistent with the national recommendations for a healthy active lifestyle for adults and may contribute to the increasing rate of overweight and obesity in this population. A joint effort between universities and all relevant government agencies is needed to develop and promote school- and community-based interventions.

Physical activity and nutritional habits among Physical Education undergraduates: a crosssectional study in Brasília / Atividade física e hábitos nutricionais entre estudantes de Educação Física: um estudo transversal em Brasília

Abstract Studies carried out in Brazil have demonstrated that the lifestyle profile of university students presents worrying deficiencies in respect to physical activity and eating habits. The aim was to evaluate the dietary habit and physical activity profile of physical education students and investigate the association between nutritional status, physical activity and eating habits. A cross-sectional design with 903 Physical Education students. All the questions were extracted from the Surveillance of Risk and Protective Factors for Chronic Diseases (Vigitel). The women were found to be more sedentary (p<0.01) and showed a higher prevalence of obesity. Those who did not practice physical activity had a high prevalence of having a chronic disease. The men had a more adequate diet and physical activity profile. Studies that focus on promoting healthy habits should be inserted early in the universities.

Resumo Estudos realizados no Brasil demonstraram que o perfil de estilo de vida de universitários apresentam deficiências preocupantes em relação à atividade física e hábitos alimentares. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar os hábitos alimentares e o perfil de atividade física dos estudantes de Educação Física e investigar a associação entre o estado nutricional, atividade física e hábitos alimentares. Estudo transversal com 903 estudantes de Educação Física. Todas as questões foram retiradas do Sistema de Vigilância de Fatores de Risco e Proteção para as Doenças Crônicas (Vigitel). As mulheres eram mais sedentárias (p<0,01) e apresentaram maior prevalência de obesidade. Aqueles que não praticavam atividade física tinham alta prevalência de sofrer uma doença crônica. Os homens tinham uma dieta e um perfil de atividade física mais adequado Estudos voltados à promoção de hábitos saudáveis devem ser inseridos nas universidades.

Inatividade física e fatores de risco para doenças crônicas em professores universitários / Physical inactivity and risk factors for chronic diseases in university professors

Introdução: Os baixos níveis de atividade fisica estão relacionados com o aumento da ocorrência de doenças crônicas. Objetivos: Verificar a prevalência dos comportamentos de risco para doenças crônicas não transmissíveis e associar esses comportamentos com a inatividade física de professores universitários de uma instituição privada na cidade de Brasília, DF, Brasil. Métodos: Participaram 285 professores universitários de uma instituição particular. Os dados foram coletados por meio de um questionário autoaplicável e o nível de atividade física foi avaliado pelo Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física. Resultados: A prevalência de baixos níveis de atividade física foi de 61,4%, onde os professores fisicamente inativos tinham menor consumo de frutas/ verduras/legumes (RP:2,47;IC95%:1,28-3,18) e consumo excessivo de carne com gordura (RP:2,15;IC95%1,42-2,97), refrigerante (RP:2,02;IC95%:1,69-2,75) e álcool (RP:1,98;IC95%:1,22-2,86). Conclusão: Os professores apresentaram elevada prevalência de comportamentos de risco para doenças crônicas e a maioria deles foi classificada como insuficientemente ativos. Assim, sugere-se politicas públicas dentro da universidade para prevenção de doenças e melhora da qualidade de vida.

Introduction: Low levels of physical activity are related to the increase in the occurrence of chronic diseases. Objectives: To verify the prevalence of risk behaviors for chronic non-communicable diseases; and to associate these behaviors with the physical inactivity of university professors of a private institution in the city of Brasília, DF, Brazil. Methods: The study involved 285 university professors from a private institution. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire and the level of physical activity was assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Results: The prevalence of low levels of physical activity was 61.4%. Physically inactive teachers showed lower consumption of fruit/vegetable/greens (RP: 2.47; 95% CI: 1.28-3.18), and excessive consumption of fat meat: 2.15; 95% CI 1.42-2.97), soft drinks (RP: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.69-2.75) and alcohol (RP: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.22-2.86). Conclusion: Teachers presented high prevalence of risk behaviors for chronic diseases and most of them were classified as insufficiently active. Thus, public policies are recommended, aiming at disease prevention and improvement of the quality of life within the university.