NUTRITIONAL HABITS AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY OF STUDENTS IN A PRIMARY SCHOOL IN KONJIC

Abstract

Health care begins at an early age. Proper nutrition and regular physical activity are inseparable parts of
the physical development of children from an early age. Everything we adopt in childhood is reflected in old age,
while knowledge and skills are passed on to the next generations. Material and Methods: The survey included 121
students, of eighth (N=61) and ninth (N=60) grades, divided into male (N=67) and female (N=54) gender.
Respondents attend the Second Primary School in Konjic. A standardized survey from the World Health
Organization Global school-based student health survey was used to research that included a nutrition module and
physical activity. Students gave voluntary consent to participate in the research. The results show that respondents
have increased fruit intake (50.4%) and vegetables (42.1%), even over six days, and consumption of carbonated
beverages and fast food is reduced to 1-3 days. Respondents stated that they are over six days physically active in a
period of 60 minutes/day. The relationship of eating habits of fruit consumption has shown statistical connectivity
with all forms of physical activity. The mean strength of the connection concerned the food habit of consuming fruit
and physical activity 60 minutes/day, while the eating habits of consuming vegetables in physical activities 60
minutes/day showed a strong statistical connectivity. There was a statistically significant link in eating habits in fruit
consumption compared to the gender χ2 (2) =6,867, p=0,032. Conclusion: The intake of fruits and vegetables has
increased, and the consumption of carbonated drinks and fast food has decreased for 1-3 days. Students practice the
most daily form of physical activity for 60 minutes/day. Awareness of the importance of adequate nutrition and
good health for all school children should be raised and the involvement of parents and the wider community
encouraged.