Investigation of Obesity, Physical Activity and Self-Efficacy-Efficacy Levels in Primary School Students

Abstract

Purpose: The research was conducted to examine the obesity status, nutritional knowledge and behaviors, physical activity and selfefficacy levels of children aged 7-9 years. Materials and Methods: The research was carried out with 183 students in a primary school in September-December 2017. Anthropometric measurements of the students were taken. “Nutrition Knowledge Level Determination Form”, “Nutrition Behavior Determination Form”, “Anthropometric Measurement Monitorization Form”, “Self-Efficacy Scale-Child Form” and “Child Physical Activity Questionnaire” were used in data collection. SPSS package program version 25 was used for data analysis. Results: The mean age of the students was 7.94±0.4 years. According to the body mass index of the students, 17.2% were overweight and 16.7% were obese. 13.5% of the students had high body fat (85-97 percentile), 11.1% were obese (≥97 percentile). The mean score of the Self-Efficacy Scale was 44.76±3.86, and the mean score of the Child Physical Activity Questionnaire was 3.01±0.6. While the fiber and potassium intakes of the students were insufficient according to their needs, their sodium intake was determined to be high. When the energy ratios obtained from protein, fat and carbohydrates were examined, the energy obtained from fat was found to be high in both genders. Conclusion: It was determined that the body weight of one out of every three students was above average. In the light of these findings, the possibility of children being obese during adolescence and adulthood and the increase in the burden of disease that will happen if comprehensive interventions are not taken should be perceived as a clear warning by health professionals and school administrators. It is recommended that studies should be carried out by multidisciplinary team members in school health studies to provide children positive nutritional behaviors.

Keywords

• nutrition habits
• nutritional status
• primary education
• obesity
• school health