Objective: To determine the distribution of the stages of change behavior in the regular physical activity of residents of Bogota D.C., Colombia, in 2003.
Methods: The prevalence of intention or regular practice of physical activity in urban residents from I to IV socio-economical status were studied. The participants were older than 18 years old and younger than 65 years. The participants were selected through a probabilistic, three stage, stratified cluster sampling. They were interviewed with consent in their address using structured questionnaires.
Results: The percentage of answer was of 78% and 3,000 records were considered valid; 13% were considered precontemplates because they didn't practice regular physical activity and didn't have the will to do it in the next six months; 24% had the will to do it in a within a semester; 18% were prepared to initiate it in the next month; 7% are in the action stage because of they have been practicing during the last month; 34% were classified as maintainers and the last 4% quit the activity recently.
Conclusions: The distribution of the stages of change in the adult population from I to IV socioeconomical status of the Capital District of Colombia are unfavorable for cardiovascular risk and for other negative comportamental factors associated with the urban life style.