PHYSICAL FITNESS, NUTRITION, AND SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS IN INDIAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CHILDREN

K. Patki¹, D. Sanghi¹, R.K. Parasher², B. Bhatnagar³

¹Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies, Faridabad, India, ²Ventakeshwar Hospital, Delhi, India, ³SGT University, Gurugram, India

Background: Fitness and nutrition are important health markers in children, as they have a significant role to play in their overall health, academic performance, generalized achievement and quality of life across their life span. Access to resources that are associated with Socioeconomic (SE) status, are inextricably linked to fitness, and access to nutrient rich food. However, sedentary life styles, and an increase in the intake of high-caloric ‘fast foods’ which are low in essential nutrients irrespective of SE status, has had a negative impact on fitness and the health of children.

Purpose: The study aimed to determine fitness level and the intake of nutrients in children aged 6 -14 years, across different Socioeconomic strata.

Methods: Following consent from parents and accent from the children, 559 children that met the inclusion criteria were recruited. Children with diagnosed medical conditions, physical disability or cognitive problems were excluded from the study. Fitness was assessed using a battery of tests, including Body mass Index, strength, flexibility, agility, endurance. Nutritional intake was calculated in terms of nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR) using 24 hr recall questionnaire. The SE strata was determined by urban socioeconomic status grid questionnaire. The data was analysed using descriptive analysis and independent t – test.

Results: 312 girls and 247 boys were tested. It was observed that 14.8 - 23.5% of the children were underweight, and 2.4 - 19% children were overweight across age groups. Surprisingly, fitness levels of 80 - 90% of high SE children, and 70 - 78.7% mid-low SE children were below the 50^th percentile across age groups. Additionally, a large percentage of children (22- 69%) had an inadequate intake (NAR) of protein, calcium and Iron across age groups, and SE strata. Furthermore, children belonging to Mid-low SE were significantly better in abdominal strength, endurance (p < 0.05), while high SE children had significantly better grip strength and agility. Protein and Calcium intake was significantly better in older, high SE children than mid-low SE children. However, no difference was noted in Iron intake.

Conclusions: Overall, fitness levels and nutrient intake in children aged 6-14 years were significantly lower than standardized norms. Similar trends were observed across SE strata and age groups. The intake of protein and calcium, was greater in high SE children, albeit below normative values.

Implications: These results are alarming, in that, sedentary life style choices, such as playing indoor games, and the consumption of ‘fast foods’, as opposed to healthy choices (vegetables etc.) are having a significant, and detrimental impact on health markers in children across socioeconomic strata. It is important that all stake holders, especially parents, school authorities, and Government agencies formulate strategies linked to providing healthy lifestyle, food choices and play, in order to develop a healthy and fit generation on an emergency basis. The Physiotherapists can play key role in formulating school based fitness regime for children.

Funding acknowledgements: Nil ( Self- Finance)

Keywords:
Physical fitness
Nutritional status
Socioeconomic status

Topics:
Health promotion & wellbeing/healthy ageing/physical activity
Health promotion & wellbeing/healthy ageing/physical activity

Did this work require ethics approval? Yes

Institution: Amar Jyoti Institute of Physiotherapy

Committee: Amar Jyoti Institutional Review Board - Ethical Committee

Ethics number: AJIRB-EC/01/2017