Situation and Affecting Factors to Optimum Growth of Students in school under Udon Thani Municipality

Abstract

The aim of this cross-sectional descriptive study was to evaluate the prevalence to optimum growth status among students and examine the factors associated with it. The sample for this study comprised 458 students from schools under the Udon Thani Municipality, selected using by systematic random sampling. Data were collected through a questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze the data and assess the relationship between personal factors, economic and social factors, family factors, knowledge about food consumption, and food consumption behavior, with respect to optimum growth. The chi-square test statistic was used to examine these relationships. The study revealed that 65.3% of the participants exhibited a favorable nutritional status. Factors associated with optimum growth status were at a significant level of 0.05. The personal factors examined in the study included gender, age, consumption of alcoholic beverages, smoking habits, and recent illness requiring medication or medical treatment within the past month. Additionally, exercise habits were assessed, with participants engaging in workouts lasting more than 20 minutes at least three times per week. Economic, social, and family factors, such as the marital status of parents, the number of siblings, and the amount of money spent on food and beverages. Lastly, dietary behavioral factors, including breakfast consumption, regularity of three meals per day, vegetable consumption, fruit consumption, and consumption of liver foods, were considered in the analysis. Recommendations, schools and families can collaborate to create an environment that supports the overall health and well-being of students. Providing individualized food management, promoting physical activity, and building health literacy will contribute to the development of healthy behaviors and empower students to make informed decisions about their health.