Health status and physical activity of children during education at school

Abstract

Introduction. An increase in children’s disease incidence, including school-caused diseases, was observed during recent years. Study of schoolchildren health status will help determine medical care priorities and optimal terms. The aim of this study. To assess health status, academic performance and physical activity of Voronezh schoolchildren. Material and methods. A questionnaire survey of schoolchildren on academic performance and physical activities and analysis of the pupil’s medical records (form 026u-2000) were conducted. Five hundred seven schoolchildren aged 9-17, students of 3-11 grades of Voronezh schools, were examined. Results. Children from I health group constituted 18.9% in 3-4 grades, 16.0% in 5-7 grades and 15.7% in 8-11 grades; II health group - 64.2% in 3-4 grades, 51.0% in 5-7 grades and 28.5% in 8-11 grades; III health group - 14.9%, 32.0% and 55.2% respectively (p < 0.001). Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (23.6%, 40.7% and 47.9% among schoolchildren of 3-4, 5-7 and 8-11 grades) and diseases of the organ of vision (10.8%, 18.0% and 27.9%, respectively) were most frequent. No difference in performance at school was observed in children of various health groups. Discussion. Schoolchildren of 8-11 grades had worse health as the number of chronic diseases increased. Diseases of digestive and cardiovascular systems were less common compared to other regions. Chronic diseases had no negative impact on schoolchildren physical activity and lifestyle. Conclusion. The findings will help upgrade the medical care system for schoolchildren and develop targeted preventive measures for different age groups.