Correlation of physical activity and expressed health-related problems among adolescent girl students in Isfahan city, Iran

Abstract

Background: One of the most important risk factors for mortality globally is physical inactivity. This study aimed to determine the relationship of physical activities on expressed health-related problems among adolescent girl students in Isfahan City, Iran. Methods: In this study, correlation of physical activity and general health status of 360 girls aged 15 and 16 years was evaluated. General health status was evaluated based on standard Health Behaviour In School-Aged Children-Symptom Checklist (HBSC-SCL) questionnaire and physical activity was assessed on the credentials PACE +. Data analysis was done using chi-square test and logistic regression analysis via SPSS software. Findings: 86.8 of students did not have enough physical activity and 62.5 suffered from general health problems which were unrelated to the amount of physical activity based on the statistic data. The risk of headache in girls who did not get enough physical activity was 0.470, for dizziness 0.430, and for fatigue 0.478 times of those who had adequate physical activity; this relationship was significant. Breakfast had influence on public health (1.699) and significantly reduced headache, heartburn, fatigue and aggression. In addition, body mass index was associated with physical activity, too. Conclusion: According to results of this study, there was a relationship between the physical activity and life style with health problems. Thus, suitable educational programs must be performed to improve life style especially eating breakfast and doing physical activity for improvement of general health status. © 2016, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.