Valoración del estado de salud de los escolares de Logroñoinfluencia de la alimentación y la actividad física

Resum

In recent years, there has been an increase in obesity and sedentary lifestyle, as well as new dietary habits, which can lead to the deterioration of a child�s health. The objective of this Doctoral Thesis is to describe the health status of schoolchildren aged 11 to 12 years in Logroño (northern Spain), and to report on the influence of their diet, physical activity and environment on several health parameters. A cross section of 329 schoolchildren from 31 schools in Logroño was selected in order to analyse their body composition, blood pressure, physical fitness, dietary habits and physical activity. The health promotion policy carried out in schools was also analysed through the schools� administrative teams. The main results were: a) 23.7% of children are overweight and 3.3% are obese, with a higher prevalence among those studying in state schools and, in the case of obesity, in boys; b) Boys and students with a normal weight have better physical fitness, whereas girls and children born in a different country are less likely to have a healthy aerobic capacity; c) More physical activity results in better physical fitness and higher levels are registered by both boys and those students who practise extracurricular activities; d) 46.7% of schoolchildren follow the Mediterranean diet, this percentage being lower in state schools, in children born in a different country and in students from middle-low income families; e) The training of teachers, the establishment of a health promotion policy and the availability of sport facilities have a positive influence on students� eating and physical activity habits. The present Thesis describes the body composition and physical fitness, as well as dietary and physical activity habits of schoolchildren. The results are highly relevant to health and should be taken into account when defining health interventions directed at schoolchildren.