LIFESTYLE AND BEHAVIOR, NUTRITIONAL STATUS, AND DEPRESSION SYMPTOMS IN RELATION TO THE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT OF JUNIOR AND SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between lifestyle and behavior, nutritional status, depression symptoms, and academic achievement of junior and senior high school students in selected secondary schools in the Division of Malaybalay City. The descriptive-correlational research design was employed. Data were gathered from 580 students chosen using total random sampling and were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean, frequency counts and percentage, Pearson-product moment correlation, and multiple linear regression. The findings revealed that in lifestyle and behavior, students’ physical activity involved 3 to 4 times of physical exercise per week. Their sleep patterns showed that they felt sleepy only 1 to 2 times weekly during their activities. Their screen time usage averaged 2 to 3 hours for different electronics, with mobile phones or smartphones more often used at over 3 hours. Moreover, the students’ nutritional status through their dietary behavior in terms of food choice revealed that they often put importance on choosing their foods. The diversity of their daily diet included vegetables, starches (e.g., rice and rice products) and meat/fish often, and fruits, milk, fats, sugar and beverage occasionally. The students’ anthropometric measurements had an average weight of 95.90 lbs. and an average height of 178.65 cm. The depression symptoms experienced by the students were borderline to moderate depression levels. The study also found that the students’ academic achievement was very satisfactory. Furthermore, correlation and regression analyses showed that the variables, sleep patterns and depression symptoms, negatively and significantly impact students’ academic achievement. Therefore, less frequency of daytime sleepiness and fewer depression symptoms could increase academic performance. Hence, these findings have implications for students’ academic success and well-being, especially in improving their sleep quality and supporting effective interventions for depression. KEYWORDS: Lifestyle and behavior, nutritional status, depression symptoms, academic achievement