Asociación entre el tiempo de pantalla, los niveles de actividad física y las barreras percibidas en aprendices del SENA.

Abstract

The present study aimed to analyze the relationship between screen time, physical activity levels, and perceived barriers to physical activity among apprentices at the Industrial and Technological Development Center of the National Learning Service (SENA). A quantitative research study with a non-experimental, cross-sectional, and correlational design was conducted. The sample consisted of 320 apprentices over 18 years of age, selected through non-probability convenience sampling. Data were collected using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form (IPAQ-SF), the Sedentary Behaviour Questionnaire (SBQ), and the barriers dimension of the Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale (EBBS). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, association tests, and correlation analyses, considering a significance level of p < 0.05. The results showed that 75.9% of the participants presented high levels of physical activity, and 39.4% reported more than six hours of daily screen time. Men showed higher levels of vigorous, moderate, and total physical activity than women. The main perceived barriers were fatigue, tiredness after daily activities, and the distance to places where physical activity could be practiced. No significant association was found between screen time and physical activity level, nor between perceived barriers and total physical activity. It is concluded that, although the apprentices present high exposure to screen time, they maintain high levels of physical activity, suggesting that both behaviors may coexist independently. The findings provide evidence to strengthen institutional strategies for the promotion of healthy lifestyles and wellness programs in technical and technological education institutions.