Anthropometric Parameters and Its Effects on Academic Performance among Primary School Female Students in Jazan, Saudi Arabia Kingdom

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of malnutrition in Saudi children is higher when compared with the countries having less economic resources. All anthropometric indicators were lower in girls when compared to boys. The problem is going to persist unless great effort is kept to improve their nutritional status. Aim: To investigate the anthropometric parameters status and its effect on academic performance among primary school female students of rural and urban area of Jazan region, Saudi Arabia Kingdom. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among female school children aged from 6 to 12 years at rural and urban area of Jazan region, South Western part of Saudi Arabia. The anthropometric measurements were assessed as Weight for Age Z-Score (WAS) and Height for Age Z-Score (HAZ), Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated as weight in Kg/height in meter square and standard charts of BMI for age was used as reference. A pre designed questionnaire was used for collecting socioeconomic information include parents education, family size, house size. Scholastic achievement of students was assessed using their grades in three different subjects Arabic, Science and Mathematics. Results: Among total female students 30.8% were severe underweight (WAZ < 0.85), where as region wise 32.6%, 30.1% and 26.2% from the urban regions Abu Arish, Jazan and the rural region Al Dayer respectively. Average Body Mass Index was 18.3 for the female students from Abu Arish and Al Dayer where as in Jazan female students average Body Mass Index was 17.3. Obesity recorded lower ratio 13.3% and 15.9% for children in urban regions of Abu Arish and Jazan and 23.8% was recorded for children in the rural area of Al Dayer. Approximately 82% of the participants with normal body weight were showing excellent academic performance however it was found 74% of obese participants have got only pass status in the academics. P-Value < 0.01 statistically there was highly significant association between nutritional status and academic performance. Conclusion: Great effort is still needed to improve the nutritional status of primary school female students in South Western area of Saudi Arabia Kingdom