ROLE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN THE LIFESTYLE OF FRENCH NURSES

Background. Physical activity is a crucial component of a healthy lifestyle. Thus, it should be diagnosed in students as future elites, especially those in medical faculties, i.e. medical and nursing departments. The aim of the present research is knowledge about the level of physical activity of nurses, including the factors that determine it.

Material and methods. The research was carried out in 2017 and involved 279 nurses aged 21-30 (mean 23.5 ± 2.4 years) from the Medical Education Centre in Niort, France. The physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) - long version, supplemented with additional questions.

Results. Most nurses (75.4%) demonstrated a high level of physical activity or a moderate one − 18.9%. Only in some persons ( 5.7%), it could be described as low. The total level of physical activity was 6573.0 MET / min-week, and the dominant activity related to work or studying, i.e. 2823.2 MET, which amounted to 43.0% of the total activity. The place of origin − the city, as well as the year of study, the second and third year, turned out to be decisive factors significantly affecting the higher level of physical activity in nurses.

Conclusions. Nurses exhibit a high PA (physical activity) level and a correct BMI index, which proves that their lifestyle can be considered as healthy.