Reasons for walking by people using the campus of a public university in Minas Gerais

Abstract

Introduction: Sedentary lifestyle is one of the greatest challenges to public health due to its relationship with chronic diseases and its economic impact on the public health system. However, regular walking can help alleviate these problems. Objective: To investigate and identify the reasons that lead a portion of the population to practice walking on the Campus of the Federal University of  Viçosa (UFV). Materials and Methods: This article presents the results of a qualitative study, with a descriptive-exploratory approach, whose objective was to investigate the reasons that lead a portion of the population to walk on the Campus of the UFV. The sample consisted of a total of 147 participants (84 women and 63 men). A questionnaire on expectations and perceptions regarding the practice of walking on the UFV Campus was used to collect data. Results and discussion: Based on the four categories of analysis: access to the Campus for walking; Regarding the perception of the benefits related to walking, Factors that facilitate walking on the UFV Campus and, finally, the barriers to maintaining walking, it is observed that among the reasons that lead to the practice of walking, factors such as physical improvements related to the control and prevention of excess body weight and diseases, stress reduction, and socialization stood out. Added to these positive factors are the location, infrastructure, safety, and accessibility present on the university Campus in question. Conclusion: The sample group revealed different age ranges, highlighting the deconstruction of walking as a physical activity limited to the elderly population. In short, the perceptions of the research participants reaffirm walking as a physical activity that promotes comprehensive health and quality of life.