Obesity Physical Activity and Dietary Habits and Their Relationship with Academic Achievement Among Female Students in the Fifth and Sixth Grades of Primary School in Salah Al-Din Governorate

Zain Al-Abdeen Abbas Al-Taif

doi:10.66968/dv8mfv17

Authors

Zain Al-Abdeen Abbas Al-Taif University of Samarra Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.66968/dv8mfv17

Keywords:

Obesity, Academic Achievement, Physical Activity, Dietary Habits, Female Students, Salah Al-Din Governorate

Abstract

Backgroud: The current study intended to determine the relationship between obesity and academic achievement of female students studying in the fifth and sixth grades in the primary schools of Salah Al-Din Governorate. In addition to that, this study included the evaluation of the connections between physical activity and eating habits and academic achievement.

Methods: Descriptive correlational design was used in the research because it corresponded with the objectives of the study. Sixty participants were chosen in the current study; 30 were in each grade. The students were selected purposely from a number of public schools located in Salah Al-Din Governorate. The indicators of obesity were measured by means of BMI, academic achievement was measured through grades from the official records, while physical activity and eating habits were determined by means of questionnaire.

Results: The results showed a moderate statistically significant negative correlation between obesity and academic achievement (r=-0.42, p=0.001). In addition, there was a moderate positive correlation between physical activity and academic achievement (r=0.38, p=0.003) and between eating habits and academic achievement (r=0.35, p=0.007). The analysis conducted during the research found statistically significant differences in academic achievements in relation to physical activity, breakfast intake, and food types. Multiple regression analysis showed that the studied variables explained 47% of the variance in academic achievement.

Conclusions: Thus, obesity, physical activity, eating habits, and academic achievement are interconnected.

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