The Relationship Between Students’ Nutritional Status and Their Physical Activity

Abstract

The research was carried out on a sample of 1000 (500 male and 500 female) students randomly selected from several faculties within the AAB College in Pristina, Kosovo. Respondents were treated in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. For the assessment of physical activity, the international questionnaire (InternationalPhysical Activity Questionnaire IPAQ). To assess the state of nutrition, morphological parameters were applied: body height, body weight and body mass index. Descriptive analysis, non-parametric technique of difference within the group as well as regression analysis were applied to process the results.
The obtained results show that the average height of the student population is Mean = 174.74±8.6; body weight, mean= 70.88±12.7; body mass index, Mean = 23.1±3.3. The prevalence of overweight is 26.1%, while obesity is 2.8%. The results obtained are almost the same as the countries in the region. The survey for the assessment of physical activity indicates an insufficient involvement of students in physical activities that corresponds to the prevalence of overweight. When asked how much time you usually spend sitting during a working day, the prevalence of 2-7 hours is 84.6%. Regression analysis shows a correlation between inactivity during the day and body mass index.
The data show a trend towards increasing obesity in the student population and this is an extremely powerful reason for: the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sports, for the Ministry of Education, for Universities and Colleges, tocreate conditions for the highest possible participation of students in sports and recreational activities.