Nutritional and physical fitness differences in children and adolescents from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds

Abstract

Abstract: Lifestyle affects the health of children and adolescents, especially those living with socio-economic disadvantages. The purpose of this study was to evaluate nutritional status, level of fitness, and diet in children and adolescents from different socio-economic environments. To evaluate nutritional status and nutritional habits, Body Mass Index Z-score, Waist-to- Height Index and the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index, were chosen. To measure physical fitness, Eurofit battery was used. Participants were 290 healthy children and adolescents of two groups. Group 1 (78) was part of a social integration project through sport; group 2 (212) belonged to a private school with a high socio-economic status. Differences between groups were found in the nutritional status and physical fitness tests. There were no differences in the total score of the Kid Med Test (p=.42), but data suggested a better quality of food consumption in group 2. Even though both groups exhibited healthy values, results were slightly more favorable for speed of movement and flexibility (p<.05), and for diet habits (better intake of olive oil, less sweet consumption, p < .05) in the group 2. The study, even with limitations, shows that there is still room for equal opportunities in promoting the quality of life of young people. Keywords: Physical activity; lifestyle; nutritional status; diet; children; social differences.