A correlational study to assess the relationship between body mass index and selected life style practices among high school students in selected schools at Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka, India

Abstract

People in the 18.5-22.4 BMI range with high scores on the alternate healthy eating index and high levels of physical activity have the lowest risk of early mortality, while those with higher BMIs can still have a lower risk if they also have at least one low risk lifestyle component. To assess the body mass index of high school students in a selected school, lifestyle practice, find the association between selected lifestyle practices with demographic variables in high school students and association between Body Mass Index with demographic variables in high school students. Prior to starting the data gathering process, approval from BEO and the headmistresses of the chosen high schools was obtained. Canara High School and St. Aloysius High School in Mangalore hosted the primary study. The data gathering period ran from October 121, 2017, to January 1, 2018. All participants were told of the study's goal and gave their informed permission. The respondents received guarantees on the privacy and confidentiality of the data they submitted. Data from the samples were gathered by the researcher herself. In order to gather data, questionnaires about baseline data were used, along with a self-made rating scale to evaluate lifestyle behaviours and measures of height and weight to determine BMI. Karl Pearson ‘s correlation coefficient and Chi square test.The majority of samples, or 70%, had normal BMIs. Merely 20% of those surveyed were overweight. The least number of respondents (10%) were underweighted. Eighty-two percent of the respondents followed moderate lifestyles. Good living habits are present in 15% of the samples. The fewest responders (3%) led unhealthy lifestyles. Level of lifestyle habits broken down by area: The average lifestyle practice of students was 60.657.68, indicating that the majority of students follow a moderate lifestyle.A noteworthy correlation was observed between the mother's work and certain baseline factors, such as the body mass index score. Consequently, the null hypothesis was disproved. The score of a few chosen lifestyle activities and a few chosen baseline characteristics, such gender, were significantly correlated. They rejected the null hypothesis.Teenagers are the future citizens of this country, and their future depends on them. It is crucial to regularly assess students' body mass index and lifestyle choices so that those who lead unhealthy lifestyles can be quickly identified and treated appropriately to reduce their chance of developing health issues later on. Nurses will be able to teach parents and pupils about healthy lifestyle practices since they are aware of the relationship. The present study's findings have been taken into consideration for drawing the following conclusions.