Authors
- Dorotea Šulavjak, University of Rijeka, Faculty of Health Studies, Rijeka, Republic of Croatia
- Kristijan Zulle, University of Rijeka, Faculty of Health Studies, Department of Physiotherapy, Rijeka, Republic of Croatia
- University of Rijeka, Faculty of Health Studies, Department of Public Health, Rijeka, Republic of Croatia
Article type:
Original Scientific Paper
Abstract:
Adolescence is an important period in life that includes fast physiological and psychological growth and development. During this period, it is important to adopt healthy habits because they will most likely be transmitted into adulthood. There is an undeniable existence of a global trend in the growth of obese but also underweight adolescents who are physically less active. This trend will eventually increase the number of people suffering from diseases connected to sedentary lifestyle and poor dietary habits. The main goal of this research is to show the nutritional habits and the frequency of physical activity and to establish correlation between them. The research included students of the Medical School in Rijeka. The questionnaire was completed by 421 students (340 girls and 81 boys). The results showed that 0.95% of students were underweight, and 19.48% were overweight or obese. 78.53% of students who are 17 or under were physically inactive, as well as 71.56% of students over 17 years. Girls have been skipping breakfast and school lunch more often than boys. They also had a higher percentage of bodily appearance as motivation for physical activity, while boys were more motivated by pleasure. As in the literature, the statistical analysis has shown the correlation between skipping breakfast and physical inactivity. The differences between the girls and boys are visible. As stated in the literature, the girls are more prone to health-compromising behaviours. Physical inactivity can be seen in all generations and classes regardless of sex, which points to the need for additional motivation.
Keywords:
Adolescence, Body mass index, Nutritional habits, Physical activity.