Promoting Physical Activity and Health in the Workplace: A Qualitative Study among University Workers, Spain

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Behavioral Science
• Sports Science

Background:

• Modern societal changes contribute to anxiety, sedentary behavior, and poor health habits.
• These factors exacerbate premature aging, obesity, and related illnesses.
• University communities face unique lifestyle challenges impacting overall well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement the UAL Activa program, a physical activity initiative.
• To enhance the lifestyles of university staff (n=68, ages 28-61).
• To assess the perceived benefits of the program on participants' health and well-being.

Main Methods:

• The UAL Activa program involved physical activity tasks designed by final-year sports science students.
• In-depth interviews were conducted with program participants.
• Qualitative data was analyzed using NVivo v.10 software.

Main Results:

• Five key thematic areas emerged: improved physical fitness, enhanced physical condition, better mood and emotional state, positive assessment of the new lifestyle, and strengthened social relations.
• Participants reported significant perceived benefits across these domains.
• The program successfully engaged university staff in physical activity.

Conclusions:

• Physical activity interventions are crucial for improving health outcomes.
• The UAL Activa program demonstrated positive impacts on staff well-being.
• Continued implementation of physical activity promotion plans is recommended across all population segments.