Learning Outcomes vis-à-vis Nutritional Status, Physical Activity, and Cognitive Function: A Cross-Sectional Study

Resumo

Aim: In this regard, this cross-sectional study aims to determine the relationship of nutritional status, physical activity, and cognitive function to the learning outcomes of junior high school students in the country. Methods: This study employed a correlational approach in order to determine the relationship among the variables. A total of 98, 289 students from the junior high schools served as the study's sample population. Due to time constraints, data from 1870 students were used to draw conclusions using Simple Random sampling technique. The Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C) was utilized in the study. Additionally, concerning food intake, is determined by Body Mass Index (BMI). Moreover, the academic performance was measured by depending on the grades or numerical representations, using the Concentration Grid Test to measure cognitive function (CGT). The F-test, coupled with correlation and multiple regression analysis, was used to analyze the data in this study. Furthermore, this present study has performed the required tests, namely test of normality and linearity test, before testing the hypothesis. Results: It was observed that there is a positive and significant relationship between nutritional status (X1) [r(1868) = 0.870, p = 0.001], physical activity (X2) [r(1868) = 0.748, p = 0.013], and cognitive function (X3) [r(1868) = 0.895, p < 0.05] (X3) with learning outcomes. Furthermore, a significant relationship was also observed between nutritional status (X1) and physical activity (X2) [r(1868) = 0.742, p = 0.014], and nutritional status (X1) and cognitive function (X3) [r(1868) = 0.857, p = 0.002]. Based on the multiple regression results, dietary intake (X1), physical activity (X2), cognitive function (X3),and learning outcomes (Y) have a 0.725 association. Nutritional status (X1), physical activity (X2), and cognitive function (X3) account for 52.5% of learning outcomes (Y), whereas other variables account for 47.5%. Sig. F change 0.006 (p < 0.05) shows a simultaneous and substantial association between nutritional status (X1), physical activity (X2), and cognitive performance (X3) among junior high school students. Conclusion: Nutritional status, physical activity, cognitive function, and learning outcomes are strongly linked. Future studies should compare rural and urban students’ dietary status, physical activity, cognitive performance, and educational outcomes.