Health risk behavior survey of school age children in two Indonesian villages

Abstract

The study problem: Personal health practices and behaviours established in childhood can affect health in childhood and later life. There has been no comprehensive study to date of the health status and health risk behaviours of school-age children in Indonesia, -- Objective: To explore the relationships between health risk behaviours and nutritional status, level of physical activity, and prevalence of injury in children aged 6-12 years old. -- Methods: This study used a descriptive cross-sectional design, with simple random sampling of children in grades 1-6 in the four elementary schools of the two participating villages in Indonesia, Data were collected using five structured questionnaires administered to 99 children and their parents and teachers. -- Results: Immunization was incomplete for 39.4% of the children, GI problems and infections were common health problems. Overall, 34.3% had low height-for-age, indicating chronic undernutrition. Low family income, difficulty eating and hunger were associated with low height-for-age. Only 35.4% of the children met recommended physical activity levels. Low calorie intake and disliking physical activity were associated with lower activity levels, while joining a sports team, older age, and support from a teacher or other individual were associated with higher activity levels. Sports and other injuries were common and were associated with more physical activity, poor swimming skills and unsafe environments. -- Recommendations: Community health nurses can play a key role in developing, implementing, and evaluating strategies to address the risk factors identified in this study. Interventions should be directed to children, their parents, teachers and communities, to health care providers, and to government.