Physical fitness among middle school students in Henan Province and associated factors / 中国学校卫生

ABSTRACT

Objective@#To understand physical fitness among students aged 13-18 years in Henan Province and its influencing factors.@*Methods@#Data of 21 785 students aged 13-18 years who participated in the national physical fitness surveys in Henan Province in 2014 were analyzed based on phyical fitness indicators and the questionnarie of physical exercise. The qualified rates of physical fitness indicators were evaluated based on the "National Students Constitutional Health Standards"(2014 revised edition).@*Results@#In 2014, the eligible rate for physical test was 85.6% for boys and 82.5% for girls. Higher eligible rate was observed among boys with sleep duration less than 7 hours, compared to those with higher than 7 hours, while lower eligible rate was more likely observed in boys who reported sweaty and tired in PE class(OR=0.76), sweay and extreme tired in PE class(OR=0.72). Higher eligible rate was more common among girls who attended exercise during recess 2-3 times per day (OR=1.18) compared to those attended exercises higher than 3 times per day. Lower eligible rate was more common among girls with sleep duration less than 7 hours (OR=0.88) and those with low attendance in school recess exercises(OR=0.77). Normal weight, living in urban area, sufficient and regular PE class, daily physical exercise for more than 1 hour, enjoying physical exercise and extracurricular sports activities or long-distance running activities have higher success rates(P<0.05).@*Conclusion@#There is a relatively high eligible rate of phyical fitness among middle school boys and girls in Henan Province. Physical fitness is related to multiple factors. These findings highlight the need to target physical fitness interventions with sufficient time allocation in PE class and physical activity so as to effectively promote the phyical quality of students.