The influence of behavioral risk factors on outcomes of students’ health

Abstract

Introduction. Currently, there are not enough hygienic studies to identify causal relationships between health disorders and behavioural risk factors. The purpose of the study: to assess the influence of behavioural risk factors on students’ health outcomes. Materials and methods. The object of the study were one hundred nine students in grades 3-6. Questionnaires and comprehensive medical examinations were conducted. The research materials were statistically processed using non-parametric analysis methods, descriptive statistics and relative risk calculations. Results. Data were obtained on the leading behavioural risk factors of modern students (physical inactivity, lack of sleep, unhealthy diet, low school satisfaction, high aggressiveness in communication with peers. Functional deviations and chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal system, nervous system and mental sphere, eyes and digestive system were formed among students. There were identified three groups of behavioural risk factors: 1) use of digital devices; 2) social wellbeing in school; 3) regime of the day. Limitations. The study is limited to the study of the influence of only behavioral risk factors on the health of students, the time of observation, the use of self-questionnaires, which can lead to recall bias, affect the accuracy of data, with the possibility of overestimation or underestimation of data. Conclusion. Quantitative dependences of the development of the most common functional deviations and chronic diseases in students on risk behaviors in the children’s population have been established. This indicates the importance of high levels of prevalence of risky forms of behaviour and their underestimation in the formation of pathological conditions and the need for measures to correct behavior dangerous to the health of children and adolescents.