Motivations and barriers to physical activity in nursing students of a private university in Chile in the year 2023: a qualitative study.

Abstract

Introduction: Approximately 27.5% of the world's population does not get enough physical activity, which increases the prevalence of disorders such as anxiety, stress, depression and diseases, mainly cardiovascular. Objective: To investigate the motivations and barriers that nursing students of a private university have in the year 2023, to perform or not physical activity. Methodology: Research with a qualitative interpretative approach, case study type, to generate an understanding of a social phenomenon, such as sedentary behavior. The conversational semi-structured interview method was implemented where the questions to be used were focused on the motivations and barriers that the selected sample had for the development or not of physical activity. Results and Discussion: Among the findings compiled in the testimony of the participants, several motivations for physical activity were described, such as health benefits, motivation from third parties or external factors, self-perception and body image, time and space facilitators, and economic facilitators. Conclusion: In summary, sedentary behaviors present in nursing students were investigated, based on the need for self-care in order to exercise an integral care of others.