PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Insufficient or lack of physical activity is one of the main risk factors that contribute to the development of some health problems and their progress. More common with physically inactive people diseases do not end up completely healing, but with chronification. The leading causes of mortality among the population worldwide are cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, and cancer. There is a tendency for "rejuvenation" of these diseases, their frequency relative increased in the population of young people. The aim of the present study is to establish the level of physical activity among young people, with particular focus on university students. Material and methods. A survey was conducted (November 2018 - January 2019) among students from some universities in Sofia, Bulgaria (Technical University, UNWE, NSA). The short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF) has been used. The total number of respondents was 435 (238 men and 197 women) aged 19-29 (Mean +/- SD 23.3 +/- 2.3 years). Results. Approximately 12% of respondents have no physical activity except for walking. Both men and women practiced various physical activities most often twice a week. Women spend approximately an hour for exercises and men - 1.5 hours a day. Men prefer intensive workloads, while women - moderate. Daily respondents spend sitting for about 7 hours.