CONTENT ANALYSIS OF THE NURSING DIAGNOSIS OF SEDENTARY LIFESTYLE IN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the content of the conceptual and operational definitions of the essential attributes, related factors, defining characteristics, at-risk population, and associated conditions of the nursing diagnosis of sedentary lifestyle in university students. Material and Method: Methodological study, based on content analysis. Data collection was carried out with 48 judges between August and December 2023. A Likert scale, with scores ranging from 0 to 4, was used to evaluate the relevance, clarity, and accuracy of thirty elements. The judges’ characterizations were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and agreement was assessed using the Wilcoxon test with a significance level of 5% and a confidence interval of 95%. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee. Results: The analyzed items were considered valid for the nursing diagnosis of sedentary lifestyle among university students (p-value < 0.05). Sedentary lifestyle was defined as physical activity with frequency, intensity, and duration below the recommended levels, characterized by a reduced self-perception of health. This diagnosis has four defining characteristics, eight related factors, four at-risk populations, and one associated condition. Conclusion: The content of the elements of the nursing diagnosis sedentary lifestyle in university students was considered valid by the judges. This result clarifies the concept under study, strengthens specific instruments in the field, and increases the level of evidence for this nursing diagnosis.