scholarly journals Impact of Nutrition and Physical Activity on Behaviour and Academic Achievements in Pupils

Author(s):  
Vilija Dabriegaitė ◽  
Vilma Dudonienė ◽  
Daiva Imbrasienė ◽  
Rolandas Kesminas

Nutrition is the main component of children’s health. In order to be completely healthy children need good nutrition and substantial physical activity [1]. Nutritional habits acquired in childhood and adolescence are maintained during adulthood. Scientists emphasize breakfast eating because breakfast ensures attention-concentration, memory and school achievements during morning sessions [2]. Eating breakfast provides energy for the brain and improves learning. Poor nutrition is associated with poor academic achievements. Under-nutrition has negative effect on pupils’ behaviour, attendance of lessons and even behaviour in adulthood [3]. Nutrition of pupils should be well-balanced and variable, offering more fresh fruit, whole grains and a greater variety of vegetables [4]. It is recommended to reduce levels of fat and sodium and increase fiber [5], and in the first part of day to drink more fresh water in order to improve attention and behaviour [2]. The aim was establish the interrelationship between nutrition, behaviour and academic achievements in pupils. Conclusions. Breakfast is an essential meal in pupils’ day; regular habit of eating breakfast has beneficial influence on attentionconcentration, memory and school achievements. Well-balanced pupils’ nutrition decreases antisocial and aggressive behaviour. Physical activity reduces manifestation of negative emotions and stress in pupils.Keywords: physical activity, nutrition, behaviour, academic achievements.

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 111-116
Author(s):  
S. Marriyah Irfan ◽  
S. Fatima Irfan

Background: Healthful nutrition has a positive connection with both physical and mental health. Breakfast is often considered as the most important meal of the day. Despite the benefits, skipping the morning meal is highly prevalent among adolescents. Healthy eating has an effect on happiness and concentration but a firm connection has not been established. Breakfast skipping can be a factor and a gap in the literature exists in this regard. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationships between eating breakfast, happiness and attention concentration among high school students. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, a convenient sampling strategy was used to select the students from an International school located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The 29-item Oxford Happiness Questionnaire along with demographic variables was employed as research instrument. Chi-square test, student t-test and ANOVA were used to compare different categorical variables. Results: The overall Happiness mean score was 3.621 ± 0.6637. Students who were regular at having breakfast every day had higher happiness mean scores. Overall, 40% of the participants reported to have decreased concentration/attentiveness during the first 4 lectures at school. Majority (55%) of the breakfast skippers were distracted in the lessons. A regular breakfast eating habit was found to be significantly associated with happiness (p=0.04) and concentration during lectures (p=0.04) respectively. Majority of the students had insufficient physical activity (72%) and had experienced stress (88%) in the last six months respectively. The prevalence of being overweight/ obese among breakfast skippers was higher (39%) than was in breakfast consumers (26%). Conclusion: Eating breakfast was associated with higher happiness scores and better concentration among high school students. An alarmingly high prevalence of stress among students is a cause of concern. Schools should start breakfast eating programs and promote physical activity to reduce stress. Future studies are needed to explore the factors associated with stress.


2015 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 35
Author(s):  
Andy Japutra ◽  
Eddy Fadlyana ◽  
Anggraini Alam

Background The causes of obesity in children are multifactorial, including genetics, physiology, metabolism, psychology, socioeconomic status, lifestyle, and culture. Objective To assess for relationships between obesity in 6 to 12-year-old children and maternal nutritional status, maternal education, eating breakfast, eating fast food, physical activity, TV watching, and playing video games. Methods This case-control study included students of Sejahtera Public School aged 6 to 12 years. Questionnaires were distributed to their parents for data on maternal education, eating breakfast, eating fast food, physical activity, TV watching and playing video games. Maternal nutritional status was assessed by one of the researchers. Univariate analysis with Chi–square test was used to assess every risk factor. Those with a P value of <0.25 were subjected to multivariate analysis, performed using multiple logistic regression analysis. Results From June to July 2013, 60 obese children and 60 wellnourished children, as a control group, were enrolled in the study. Obese mothers tended to have obese children [odds ratio/OR 252.48; 95%CI 33.4 to 1908.4]. Children who ate fast food 6–8 times/week, had low physical activity, and watched TV more than 8 hours/week had significantly higher risk for obesity [OR 12.94, 95%CI 1.7 to 100.7; and OR 266.94, 95% CI 7.8 to 9137.7; OR 21.44, 95%CI 2.68 to 171.61; respectively]. Maternal education, eating breakfast, and playing video games were not significant risk factors for childhood obesity. Conclusion Maternal obesity, eating fast food 6-8 times per week, low physical activity and watching TV more than 8 hours/ week are risk factors for childhood obesity.


2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Liane D. Heale ◽  
Kristin M. Houghton ◽  
Elham Rezaei ◽  
Adam D. G. Baxter-Jones ◽  
Susan M. Tupper ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Physical activity (PA) patterns in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) over time are not well described. The aim of this study was to describe associations of physical activity (PA) with disease activity, function, pain, and psychosocial stress in the 2 years following diagnosis in an inception cohort of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Methods In 82 children with newly diagnosed JIA, PA levels, prospectively determined at enrollment, 12 and 24 months using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C) and Adolescents (PAQ-A) raw scores, were evaluated in relation to disease activity as reflected by arthritis activity (Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score (JADAS-71)), function, pain, and psychosocial stresses using a linear mixed model approach. Results in the JIA cohort were compared to normative Pediatric Bone Mineral Accrual Study data derived from healthy children using z-scores. Results At enrollment, PA z-score levels of study participants were lower than those in the normative population (median z-score − 0.356; p = 0.005). At enrollment, PA raw scores were negatively associated with the psychosocial domain of the Juvenile Arthritis Quality of Life Questionnaire (r = − 0.251; p = 0.023). There was a significant decline in PAQ-C/A raw scores from baseline (median and IQR: 2.6, 1.4–3.1) to 24 months (median and IQR: 2.1, 1.4–2.7; p = 0.003). The linear mixed-effect model showed that PAQ-C/A raw scores in children with JIA decreased as age, disease duration, and ESR increased. The PAQ-C/A raw scores of the participants was also negatively influenced by an increase in disease activity as measured by the JADAS-71 (p <  0.001). Conclusion Canadian children with newly diagnosed JIA have lower PA levels than healthy children. The decline in PA levels over time was associated with disease activity and higher disease-specific psychosocial stress.


Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 482
Author(s):  
Dae-Jung Lee

The COVID-19 pandemic situation threatens the health of people globally, especially adolescents facing mental problems such as depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder due to constant COVID-19 stress. The present study aimed to provide basic data highlighting the need to alleviate COVID-19 stress among adolescents by promoting physical activity participation and strengthening self-concept clarity (SCC). To examine the relationships among participation in physical activity, SCC, and COVID-19 stress in pandemic-like conditions, the study was conducted on middle and high school students aged 14 to 19 and an online survey was conducted on 1046 Korean adolescents (521 male and 525 female students in the preliminary survey and main survey). Frequency, reliability, confirmatory factor, descriptive, and path analyses were performed using SPSS and AMOS 18.0. Participation in physical activity exerted a positive effect on SCC (p < 0.001) as well as a negative effect on COVID-19 stress (p = 0.031). Our findings also indicated that SCC exerted a negative effect on COVID-19 stress (p < 0.001). Regular participation in physical activity and strong SCC are also fundamental elements for alleviating COVID-19 stress. Given these results, state and local governments and educational institutions should encourage youth to participate in sports by suggesting policies, providing guidelines, and offering education. Such information may allow adolescents to endure and overcome COVID-19 stress during this critical period of life.


Hypertension ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 53 (4) ◽  
pp. 611-616 ◽  
Author(s):  
Satoru Sakuragi ◽  
Katrina Abhayaratna ◽  
Karen J. Gravenmaker ◽  
Christine O'Reilly ◽  
Wichat Srikusalanukul ◽  
...  

Retos ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 43 ◽  
pp. 274-282
Author(s):  
Leonardo Intelangelo ◽  
Nacim Molina Gutiérrez ◽  
Nicolás Bevacqua ◽  
Cristian Mendoza ◽  
Iris Paola Guzmán-Guzmán ◽  
...  

Objective: to determine lifestyle changes, such as physical activity, nutrition, and sleep in an Argentinean university population, caused by confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Cross-sectional study via web survey. 1021 the Argentinean university population (women, n = 645 and men, n = 376) aged between 18–70 years old was participate. Survey was utilized to measure participant physical activity behavior, nutrition, and sleep April to May 2020. Results: the main findings revealed that 4.3% of the sample showed obesity; the highest proportion of the sample stayed more than 6 hours in a sedentary status; 21.74% reported bad sleep quality; a reduction in good feeding pattern; and an increase in subjects who do not perform physical activity. According to socio-demographic and anthropometric factors, being a student (OR 2.19, CI95% 1.18 - 4, p= .012), overweight (OR 1.71, CI95% 1.19 – 2.44, p= .003), obesity (OR 4.45, CI95% 2.27 – 8.7, p< .001), and have been confined more than 45 days was associated with bad feeding. Likewise, low physical activity levels were associated with obesity (OR 3.2 CI95% 1.66 – 6.18, p= .001), being female (OR 1.61, CI95% 1.14 –2.28, p= .006) and get married (OR 1.72, CI95% 1.14 – 2.61, p= .009). Moreover, being a student was associated with poor sleep quality (OR 43.6, CI95%5.4 – 350, p< .001). Conclusion: This study suggests that confinement decreased healthy living habits such as good nutrition and physical activity and affected the quality of sleep in young subjects.  Resumen. Objetivo: determinar los cambios en el estilo de vida, como la actividad física, la nutrición y el sueño en una población universitaria argentina, causados por el confinamiento durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Métodos: Estudio transversal mediante encuesta por Internet. Participaron 1021 personas de la población universitaria argentina (mujeres, n = 645 y hombres, n = 376) de entre 18 y 70 años de edad. La encuesta fue utilizada para medir el comportamiento de la actividad física, la nutrición y el sueño de los participantes de abril a mayo de 2020.Resultados: los principales hallazgos mostraron que el 4,3% de la muestra presentaba obesidad; la mayor proporción de la muestra permaneció más de 6 horas en estado sedentario; el 21,74% informó sobre la mala calidad del sueño; una reducción de los hábitos correctos de alimentación; y un aumento de los participantes que no realizan actividad física. De acuerdo con factores socio-demográficos y antropométricos, ser estudiante (OR 2.19, CI95% 1.18 - 4, p= .012), el sobrepeso (OR 1.71, CI95% 1.19 - 2.44, p= .003), la obesidad (OR 4.45, CI95% 2.27 - 8.7, p< .001), y haber estado confinado más de 45 días se asoció con una mala alimentación. Asimismo, los bajos niveles de actividad física se asociaron con la obesidad (OR 3,2; IC95% 1,66 - 6,18, p= .001), ser mujer (OR 1,61; IC95% 1,14 -2,28, p= .006) y estar casado (OR 1,72; IC95% 1,14 - 2,61, p= .009). Además, ser estudiante se asoció con una mala calidad de sueño (OR 43,6, CI95% 5,4 - 350, p< .001). Conclusión: Este estudio sugiere que el confinamiento disminuyó los hábitos de vida saludables como la buena nutrición, la actividad física, y afectó la calidad del sueño en sujetos jóvenes.


2002 ◽  
Vol 95 (2) ◽  
pp. 407-415 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leila Oja ◽  
Toivo Jürimäe

The aim of this investigation was to study the relationships between physical activity, motor ability, and school readiness in 6-yr.-old children. In total, 294 healthy children from Tartu were studied (161 boys and 133 girls). The physical activity of children was reported by parents and teachers using the questionnaire of Harro. The motor ability of children was evaluated using various tests from the Eurofit test battery as well as the 3-min. endurance shuttle run test. The Controlled Drawing Observation test was used as a predictor of school readiness and development of mental abilities. Indoor physical activities predicted 19–25% of total variance in motor scores for these preschool children. Motor ability tests, which demand children's total attention and concentration, appear related to the chosen measures of school readiness.


e-CliniC ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marianne C. Jacobus ◽  
Max F.J Mantik ◽  
Adrian . Umboh

Abstract: Haemoglobin is the main component of red blood cells that serves as a transporter of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. The normal range of haemoglobin values can be used to determine the degree of anemia according to age and gender. Geographical condition such as altitude influences the haemoglobin value. This study aimed to obtain the difference of haemoglobin levels between teenagers with good nutrition status who live at the highland and those at the seaside. This was an observational analytical study with a cross sectional design. Samples were students with good nutrition status of SMPN 3 Tomohon (living at the highland) and those of SMP Kristen Nazaret Tuminting (living at the seaside). There were 60 students who met the inclusion criteria as follows: adolescent, good nutrition status, healthy, aged 13-15 years, lived at the highland or at the seaside ≥ 6 month, and willing to be performed blood examinations, and had been approved by their parents. The Mann-Whitney test for the difference between haemoglobin levels of the two groups showed a p value < 0,001. Conclusion: There was a very significant difference between haemoglobin levels of good nutrition teenagers who lived at the highland and at the seaside. Keywords: haemoglobin levels, good nutrition, teenagers, highland, seaside  Abstrak: Hemoglobin merupakan komponen utama sel darah merah dan berfungsi sebagai transporter oksigen dan karbon dioksida dalam darah. Batas normal nilai hemoglobin dapat digunakan untuk menetapkan derajat anemia, dengan distribusi usia dan jenis kelamin spesifik didasarkan pada sampel referensi sehat. Kondisi geografis, seperti ketinggian tempat dari permukaan laut menjadi faktor pertimbangan dalam distribusi nilai normal hemoglobin. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendapatkan perbedaan kadar hemoglobin antara remaja gizi baik yang tinggal di pegunungan dengan yang tinggal di tepi pantai. Jenis penelitian ini analitik-observasional dengan desain potong lintang. Sampel penelitian yaitu remaja gizi baik yang tinggal di pegunungan yaitu siswa SMPN 3 Tomohon dan yang di tepi pantai yaitu siswa SMP Kristen Nazaret Tuminting. Subjek penelitian berjumlah 60 remaja yang memenuhi kriteria inklusi yaitu gizi baik, sehat, berumur 13-15 tahun, berdomisili di pegunungan atau tepi pantai ≥6 bulan, bersedia dilakukan pemeriksaan darah, dan telah disetujui oleh orang tua. Data yang diperoleh dianalisis menggunakan uji Mann-Whitney dengan bantuan program SPSS. Hasil uji Mann-Whitney mengenai perbedaan kadar hemoglobin antara kedua kelompok menunjukkan nila p <0,001. Simpulan: Terdapat perbedaan yang sangat bermakna kadar hemoglobin remaja gizi baik yang tinggal di pegunungan dengan di tepi pantai.Kata kunci: kadar hemoglobin, remaja gizi baik, pegunungan, tepi pantai


2020 ◽  
Vol 54 ◽  
pp. 113
Author(s):  
Raina Jansen Cutrim Propp Lima ◽  
Rosângela Fernandes Lucena Batista ◽  
Cecília Claudia Costa Ribeiro ◽  
Vanda Maria Ferreira Simões

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects of early determinants on adolescent fat-free mass. METHODS: A c ohort s tudy w ith 5 79 a dolescents e valuated a t b irth a nd a dolescence i n a birth cohort in São Luís, Maranhão. In the proposed model, estimated by structural equation modeling, socioeconomic status (SES) at birth, maternal age, pregestational body mass index (BMI), gestational smoking, gestational weight gain, type of delivery, gestational age, sex of the newborn, length and weight at birth, adolescent socioeconomic status, “neither study/nor work” generation, adolescent physical activity level and alcohol consumption were tested as early determinants of adolescent fat-free mass (FFM). RESULTS: A higher pregestational BMI resulted in higher FFM in adolescence (Standardized Coefficient, SC = 0.152; p < 0.001). Being female implied a lower FFM in adolescence (SC = -0.633; p < 0.001). The negative effect of gender on FFM was direct (SC = -0.523; p < 0.001), but there was an indirect negative effect via physical activity level (SC = -0.085; p < 0.001). Women were less active (p < 0.001). An increase of 0.5 kg (1 Standard Deviation, SD) in birth weight led to a gain of 0.25 kg/m2 (0.106 SD) in adolescent FFM index (p = 0.034). Not studying or working had a negative effect on the adolescent’s FFM (SC = -0.106; p = 0.015). Elevation of 1 SD in the adolescent’s physical activity level represented an increase of 0.5 kg/m2 (0.207 SD) in FFM index (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The early determinants with the greatest effects on adolescent FFM are gender, adolescent physical activity level, pregestational BMI, birth weight and belonging to the “neither-nor” generation.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document