Physical inactivity and risk factors for chronic diseases in university professors

Abstract

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.