Quality of life in healthcare higher education professionals

Abstract

To investigate the perception of quality of life and level of physical activity in professionals involved in healthcare higher education. The sample comprised of 38 individuals aged between 20 and 55 years. The following evaluations were carried out: anthropometry, flexibility, abdominal strength endurance, ergometric test, level of physical activity (pedometer and IPAQ-short version questionnaire), and quality of life (WHOQOL-bref). Both men and women exhibited WHR that indicated moderate risk, above average body fat percentages, and below average flexibility. Men measured underweight for BMI testing and women were in the normal range; men demonstrated good aerobic power and women demonstrated regular aerobic power; men had above average abdominal strength endurance and women had average abdominal strength endurance. The level of physical activity by IPAQ resulted in a percentage of 47.4 %, with participants ranking as both active and very active, with an average of steps per day within the recommendations. Quality of life scores classified the subjects as having a good quality of life. The participants declared themselves as active or irregularly active, and a significant portion showed a good level of physical activity. Nevertheless, even though the participants were professionals involved in the teaching and research of healthcare, many of them had difficulty putting into practice the didactic discourse against physical inactivity and excess fat.