Relationship Between The Use Of Social Networks And Physical Activity Level In University Students

Abstract

In 2016, more than 1.9 billion adults aged 18 years and older were overweight in the world and of these over 650 million adults were obese. These are preventable conditions that lead to chronic diseases. Overweight prevention includes: changes in eating habits, reduced time in front of the TV and computer to less than two hours a day and increased physical activity. Physical activities and exercise programs have been promoted by social marketing, especially on the social networks (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter). Social marketing it is a carefully planned, long-term approach to change human behavior. This one can be used in different ways to promote the physical activity. PURPOSE: The purpose of the research is to determine the relationship between social marketing through social networks aimed at exercise programs and the level of physical activity in a group of university students. 50 participants completed a self-administered questionnaire via e-mail or social network. METHODOLOGY: Two self-administered questionnaires were: 1) the level of physical activity will be measured using the IPAQ, and 2) the use of social networks with social marketing directed to physical activity exercise programs. RESULTS: Most of the participants were women with a participation of 79.6%. Age was between 20 and 25 years (40.8% ). 93.8% have some electronic equipment where 91.8% access social networks. 32.6% prefer Facebook, Instagram and Twitter within their selection. 36.7% use it 5 to 10 times a day. 49% Access the networks in order to obtain information on health, nutrition, exercises and lifestyle while 57.1% follow an online health or fitness professional. However, 69.4% do not publish their eating habits and 75.5% do not publish on physical activity habits on social networks. The average of weekly minutes in some physical activity in students who follow a health or fitness professional exceed the average of students who do not follow or look for health or fitness professionals. CONCLUSION: University- aged students have a high use of social networks where they search information about health and fitness.