Nutritional status and its relationship with physical activity, socioeconomic status and academic performance

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the relationship between nutritional status and physical activity, socioeconomic status and academic performance of the third period Chemistry and Farmacy students in 2014.

Method: Correlational and cross-sectional study of a sample of 198 students, ages 17 to 30 years. Data collected through validated questionnaires of: general information, anthropometric measurements, 24-hour reminder, global index, level of physical and socioeconomic activity. In the tests, the level of significance used was 0.01.

Results: According to the body mass index (BMI) 13% have insufficient weight, 20.2% are overweight and 7.6% are suffering from obesity. According to the hip waist index (CCI), 41% have risk of chronic noncommunicable diseases (CNCD), males showed higher body fat, and don´t present pattern differences according to sex. The diet is not balanced, high in protein & carbohydrates, low in fat, consumption of fish, seafood, fruits & vegetables. The water intake is less than what is recommended. In 80% of the students, 44% eat 4 meals a day. In 79.3%, the energy balance is negative and the caloric distribution is inadequate. The biochemical tests reflect a good nutritional status, 44% have a lower than normal value of high density lipoproteins (HDL). Physical activity was minimum in 70% of the students. In 77% of the students, the academic performance is good and in 57% the socioeconomic level is average.

Conclusion: No statistically significant differences were found between the variables.