Medical and social status of students in second grade of primary schools within İzmir Bayrakli Community Health Center area and effective variables

Objective: This study objectives to determine the demographic characteristics of the students in the second grade of primary school in the Bayraklı district of Izmir with the aim being to understand their effect on problems seen in the adolescence period, as well as to identify factors leading to risky health behaviors and the factors affecting them. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study consisted of 11,548 students in the second grade of primary school in the Bayraklı district. The minimum sample size was found to be 805 and a total number of 875 students were reached. The schools included in the research were determined through a stratified and random sampling method. The Health Behavior of School-Age Children 2009/10 questionnaire was applied to the study sample under the supervision of the researcher, and the height-weight of the students was measured by the researcher in the classroom. Results: Of the 875 students that participated in the study, 51 percent were male and 49 percent were female, and the sedentary lifestyle rate of our study was found to be 85,5 percent. Of the students, 22,2 percent were overweight and 17,3 percent were obese. Smoking was observed in 7,1 percent of the students and 8 percent were observed to use alcohol. Obesity, sedentary lifestyle, irregular dental hygiene, hazardous substance use, injury and bullying were observed to be significantly high in males whereas being underweight and irregular physical activity were significantly higher in females. Irregular physical activity was found to be common in the semi-urban region, while in the urban regions, sedentary lifestyles were more common. Being male, of an older age and using social media significantly increased the use of harmful substances (Negelkerke R²=0,186). Conclusions and Suggestions: The prevalence of obesity and a sedentary lifestyle was found to be high in the study, and the use of social media was found to be the most important factor affecting this. Violence rates in our study were found to be at a level where precautions need to be taken. Positive nutritional behaviors should be supported, family members should be trained and children should be directed to adopt an active lifestyle. Teachers, guidance teachers, school administration and the family should cooperate in tackling violence. Key Words: School Health, Health Promotion Behavior, Adolescents, HBSC