Análisis psicológico de la actividad física en estudiantes de una universidad de Bogotá, Colombia / Psychological analysis of university students’ physical activity in Bogotá, Colombia

Objetivo: Se buscó delimitar y explicar los factores psicológicos inherentes en la no práctica, práctica y mantenimiento de la actividad física en la población estudiantil de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia, en el año 2004. Métodos Se empleó el modelo del Proceso de Adopción de Precauciones (PAP) para comprender la conducta de la actividad física como proceso y estado, desde el sedentarismo hasta la formación de estilos de vida activos. Se realizó la adaptación del modelo PAP para la explicación de la conducta en cuestión, en donde se sopesaron los factores psicológicos a través de cada una de las etapas de cambio conductual. Se valida la adaptación lograda mediante el diseño y aplicación de un instrumento psicométrico que evalúa las tendencias de práctica, no práctica y mantenimiento de actividad física en estudiantes de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia. Resultados La aplicación del instrumento devela la influencia y relación de los factores psicológicos que intervienen directamente en las etapas del modelo propuesto. Conclusiones El modelo es un sólido constructo teórico-metodológico, que da cuenta de forma adecuada de los factores psicológicos que intervienen en la no práctica, práctica y mantenimiento de la actividad física. En este sentido el modelo puede ser utilizado en la creación de una estrategia de intervención en promoción de la salud y prevención de enfermedad a partir de estilos de vida activos.

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.

[Psychological analysis of university students' physical activity in Bogotá, Colombia]. / Análisis psicológico de la actividad fisica en estudiantes de una universidad de Bogotá, Colombia.

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.