Risk Behavior for Cardiovascular Diseases among Physical Education Undergraduates

  • Adriana Gentilin Cavalaro Centro Universitário de Maringá
  • Sonia Maria Bertolini Centro Universitário de Maringá – CESUMAR

Abstract

This research aimed at drawing a profile of the Physical Education undergraduates relating to the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, as well as to observe the influence of the academic formation in the change of possible behaviors facing these risk factors. The obtained data was collected from 62 individuals with ages between 17 and 43, being 33 from the 1st and 29 from the 4th grade (year) pursuing a Physical Education degree at a public university in Maringá, Paraná – Brazil. Initially, a questionnaire was applied on personal data, classification of the health condition, smoking, alcoholism, nutrition, practice of physical activities, leisure, sleep and stress. Soon afterwards, the following anthropometrics were collected: weigh, height, circumference of the waist and hip. Besides that, blood pressure, heart rate at rest and BMI were registered. Individuals that presented systolic pressure above 14 mmHg and/or diastolic pressure above 90 mmHg were considered hypertensive. It was verified lower prevalence of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases among the researched academics, not existing significant differences among the groups (1st and 4th year). It is concluded that the information obtained by the undergraduate students about the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases contribute to the maintenance of habits that determine a better quality of life and the formation of a professional focused on spreading this to the population.

Author Biographies

Adriana Gentilin Cavalaro, Centro Universitário de Maringá
Especialista em Atividade Física e Saúde. E-mail: adriana_cavalaro@hotmail.com
Sonia Maria Bertolini, Centro Universitário de Maringá – CESUMAR
Docente da Universidade Estadual de Maringá - UEM e do Centro Universitário de Maringá - CESUMAR. E-mail: smmgbertolini@cesumar.br
Published
2009-08-12
Section
Artigos Originais