Turn Off the Screen, Turn On Your Life: Breaking Sedentary Habits at ITCA

Abstract

Sedentarism is a significant issue affecting approximately one-third of the global population, ranking as one of the primary causes of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain types of cancer. It contributes to a higher prevalence of diseases, has negative implications for mental health and overall well-being, exacerbates the global morbidity burden, and challenges public health efforts to promote active and healthy lifestyles. This is a quantitative study with a descriptive approach aimed at evaluating sedentarism among students at the Instituto Superior Tecnológico ITCA. The study involved a sample of 141 students of both genders and various academic levels, using a self-administered structured questionnaire designed to explore patterns, perceptions, and attitudes related to sedentary behavior. The results revealed a significant tendency towards sedentary behavior during leisure time, with a notable preference for technology use. It was identified that students' physical activity is restricted by the perceived lack of time due to academic and work responsibilities, low motivation, and the lack of access to adequate nearby sports facilities. These findings highlight the need to implement effective institutional strategies to increase participation in physical and recreational activities to mitigate the negative effects of sedentarism on students' health.