[Psychological analysis of university students' physical activity in Bogotá, Colombia].
OBJECTIVE
Determining and explaining inherent psychological features in the non-practice, practice and maintenance of physical activity in the Universidad Nacional de Colombia's students during 2004.


METHODS
The precaution adoption process (PAP) model was used for understanding physical activity patterns from leading sedentary lifestyles to forming active ones. Psychological features are presented from health psychology and sports psychology viewpoints. The PAP model was adapted for explaining the behaviour in question; psychological features were carefully considered during each stage of behavioural change. The adaptation was validated by designing and applying a psychometric instrument evaluating the tendency of students from the U. Nacional to practice, not practice and maintain their physical activity.


RESULTS
Applying the instrument revealed the influence and relationship of the psychological features directly involved in the stages of the proposed model.


CONCLUSIONS
The model was a solid theoretical and methodological construct, suitably expressing all psychologist features intervening in the non-practice, practice and consolidation of physical activity. The model can thus be used in creating an intervention strategy related to promoting health and preventing disease through encouraging active lifestyles.
Velásquez
Maria T
MT
Departamento de Psicología, Facultad de Ciencias Humanas Universidad Nacionaql de Colombia.
Torres-Neira
Danilo
D
Sánchez-Martínez
Henry
H
D000328:Adult; D003105:Colombia; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009042:Motivation; D009043:Motor Activity; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000523:psychology; D011581:Psychological Tests; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014495:Universities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*