Proposal for physical activity from the management of free time in students as part of the project: Propuesta de actividad física desde el manejo del tiempo libre en estudiantes como parte del proyecto: "Valmaria: A healthy environment" of the National Pedagogical University

Abstract

Free time is considered a time when people carry out activities to enhance their skills and promote the development of their personality. Due to academic and in some cases work obligations, this time is limited for university students. Objective. To develop a proposal for physical activity from the management of free time in students of the National Pedagogical University through the identification of the ways in which the university population takes advantage of their free time. Materials and methods. Two-phase research was proposed, in the first phase a quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out composed of 1015 students between 18 and 26 years old. The "Healthy Lifestyle Questionnaire - CEVS" of 34 questions was applied, but only four questions were determined as determinants to know the management of free time, through a bivariate analysis using odds ratio (OR) and Chi2. In the second phase, based on a mixed study resulting from quantitative analyses and perceptions of preferences and barriers to the practice of physical activity in students' leisure time through focus groups, a proposal for physical activity from the management of free time was proposed. Results. A notable difference was found in the enjoyment of free time according to gender, evidencing a statistically significant difference, while the social factor has a similar result for men and women. A proposal was put forward that contains three components: i) promotion of healthy habits, ii) directed and recreational physical activities, and iii) optimization of free time. Conclusion. By identifying that PA is not a priority, but that both genders seek company and bonding, the need to design inclusive and adapted programs is underlined. In particular, it is crucial to offer women spaces that address mental health aspects such as self-acceptance, stress and anxiety management, thus improving their quality of life and academic performance.