RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of physical activity and inactivity among female health service workers. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Across-sectional study was conducted during the January-July 2005 period. We included 224 (37%) workers of the General Hospital of the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social in Colima, Mexico. We carried out a measurement of the physical activity and inactivity. The indicator was obtained from the international physical activity questionnaire. The obtained data were captured in a computer terminal and processed by means of an automated model. We calculated the frequencies distribution and the prevalence. RESULTS: From the 224 women, 24 (11%) carried out intense physical activity, 22 (10%) moderate, 81 (36%) insufficient, and 97 (43%) qualified as sedentary. CONCLUSIONS: The physical activity and inactivity prevalence among the female health service workers was of 21 and 79%, respectively.
