Article
Links between nutrition, life style habits and academic achievement in Palestinian schoolchildren: A cross-sectional study
Al-Quds Journal for Academic Research
(2021)
Abstract
Objective: To examine the association between nutrition, physical activity, lifestyle, the combined behavior e!ect,
and the schoolchildren's academic achievement. Design: Observational and cross-sectional study. Setting: West
Bank, Palestine. Participants: A group of schoolchildren (n=1945) in grades 5-9 (11-16 years). Measurements: Students
were surveyed about the their ’dietary, physical activity (PA), leisure time activity, and academic achievement.
Academic achievement was measured using students' marks in Arabic, English, math, science courses, and the
total average score. The linear regression model was conducted to analyze the relationship between dietary,
PA, combined behavior, and academic achievement, while adjusted for demographic confounders; body mass
index (BMI), and parental education. Results: Findings indicated that healthy nutrition and adequate levels of
PA significantly predict achievement scores. In both boys and girls, high academic achievement was associated
with a high intake of fruits and vegetables (AOR: 1.1 (0.72-1.68); 1.18(0.81-1.7), and (AOR: 1.21(0.8-1.82); 1.33(0.93-1.91),
respectively. In both girls and boys, high academic achievement was associated with low intake of soft drink,
beverages (juice with sugar) and energy drink (AOR: (0.75(0.47-1.19), 0.85(0.58-1.27)); (0.99(0.63-1.57), 0.76(0.52-1.12));
(0.66(0.38-1.15), 0.49(0.27-0.89)), respectively. The active and healthy nutrition group scored higher on Arabic, English,
math, science, and total average score. Conclusions: There is a strong relationship between healthy nutrition,
acceptable PA, and the average academic achievement within schoolchildren. Findings emphasize the importance
of linking nutrition, school PA, and health policies for improving cognitive functions and academic performance
of Palestinian schoolchildren. Thus, school-based healthy lifestyle educational, health behaviors policy, and
recommendation programs may have a greater e!ect on students’ academic achievement.
Keywords
- Nutrition,
- physical activity,
- academic achievement,
- schoolchildren,
- linear regression
Disciplines
Publication Date
2021
Citation Information
Radwan Qasrawi, Diala Abu Al Halawa, Rawan M Fayyad, Haleama Al Sabbah, et al.. "Links between nutrition, life style habits and academic achievement in Palestinian schoolchildren: A cross-sectional study" Al-Quds Journal for Academic Research (2021) Available at: http://works.bepress.com/haleama-alsabbah/23/