Author(s): GUERRIERO, M., BRUNO, A.3, MESSINA, G.4, MOSCATELLI, F.3, POLITO, R.1, DIPACE, A.3, Institution: UNIVERSITÀ DI FOGGIA , Country: ITALY, Abstract-ID: 547

INTRODUCTION:
The WHO emphasizes the value of regular exercise in preventing various health issues and enhancing general wellbeing [1]. Global recommendations regarding physical activity (PA) understood both as exercise but also as everyday moments involving movement or activity, agree in identifying at least 150 minutes per week of moderate to vigorous intensity exercise. The risk of incurring chronic diseases, for who meet or exceed these recommendations, is reduced by 20 to 30 per cent [2]. Sedentary lifestyles and low levels of PA are increasingly common in modern culture, and peaks are reached among young people, compared to children and adults, especially among university students away from home. The aim of this study was to investigate the habits and lifestyles among students living in ADISU-Puglia facilities, through the use of a questionnaire aimed at assessing how the choice to live away from home, impacted on their lifestyle and PA habits during a particular period of life.
METHODS:
Eighty students, aged between 18 and 28, were recruited from ADISU Puglia (Agenzia per il Diritto allo Studio Universitario). The questionnaire was provided via Google Forms and accepted both multiple and open-ended responses. One of the researchers supervised the procedure. The variables were evaluated using descriptive statistics. The frequencies and distribution of the parameters sought were documented. Every participant gave written, informed consent prior to participation.
RESULTS:
The results show the following: 1) 52.5% of the study subjects claimed to practice PA, while 38% claimed not to practice PA; 2) 45% of the students claimed not to practice any PA; 11.3% claimed to practice PA less than once a week; 6.3% claimed to practice PA one to two times a week; 25% claimed to practice PA two to three times a week; and 12.5% claimed to practice PA more than three times a week; Three points stand out in this survey: 3) 60% of the included students smoke; 4) non-smoking students claim to practice PA more than smoking students; 5) male students claim to practice PA more than female students.
CONCLUSION:
The results show low levels of PA among students and habits such as smoking. This pilot study shows that, despite the limitations of this survey, research of this type is fundamental to carrying out actions to promote well-being among university students and their academic achievements, as well as becoming prevention tools among younger people.

REFERENCES:
[1] World Health Organization-WHO. WHO | The Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion. First International Conference on Health Promotion, Ottawa, 21 November 1986 2013:3-5.
[2] Myers J, McAuley P, Lavie CJ, Despres J-P, Arena R, Kokkinos P. Physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness as major markers of cardiovascular risk: their independent and interwoven importance to health status. Prog Cardiovasc Dis 2015;57:306-14.