Stages of change regarding physical activity and healthy eating in university students in the city of Barranquilla in the year 2023

Abstract

Objective: To establish the different stages of change present in university students from a Higher Education Institution in the city of Barranquilla regarding physical activity and healthy eating.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with 457 university students in Barranquilla between February and April 2024. Through questionnaires, sociodemographic characteristics, health history, and stages of change in active behaviors and healthy eating were evaluated. Additionally, anthropometric assessments were performed to identify nutritional status. Frequency distribution measures and Pearson's Chi-square tests were used to analyze associations between variables.

Results: 59.74% of the participants had a normal weight, but 91.47% of them exhibited abdominal obesity. Most students were in the contemplation and preparation stages for adopting healthy practices related to physical activity and eating.

Conclusion: he transitions to university life brings significant changes in dietary patterns and lifestyles, which can positively or negatively affect the future health of students.