Health perception and level of physical activity in physical education students in northern Mexico
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v66.118099Keywords:
Physical activity , quality of life, university students, health perception, SF-36Abstract
Introduction. Physical activity is one of the main modifiable determinants of health and is associated with a better perception of physical, psychological, and social well-being. However, evidence regarding this relationship among Physical Education university students in Mexico remains limited.
Objective. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between physical activity level and perceived health among undergraduate Physical Education students who were regular users of the university gym. A quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional, and correlational study was conducted.
Methodology. The sample consisted of 66 students (21.64 ± 4.05 years), including 55 men (83.3%) and 11 women (16.7%). Physical activity level was assessed using the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), while perceived health was measured with the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Descriptive statistics, the Kruskal–Wallis test, and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient were used for data analysis.
Results. Students with high levels of physical activity showed significantly higher scores in physical functioning, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, role emotional, mental health, and the overall SF-36 score (p < .05). In addition, positive associations were observed between physical activity level and most SF-36 dimensions, with a very strong correlation found for the overall SF-36 score (ρ = .870, p < .001).
Conclusion. It is concluded that higher levels of physical activity are associated with better perceived health, supporting the implementation of institutional strategies aimed at promoting active lifestyles and enhancing the overall well-being of university students.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Mario Alberto Villarreal Angeles, Álvaro Armando Sandoval Cifuentes, Jesús Jose Gallegos Sánchez, María Guadalupe Ortiz Martínez, Carlos Humberto Castañeda Lechuga
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