P1465 - Factors Affecting Physical Activity Habits Among High School Students Grades 9-12: A Survey Study

Kenda Al-Assi, MD¹, Sayf Ashour, MD¹, Dana Al-Assi, MD¹, Caleb Kitchens, ², Sriya Badireddi, ¹, Shelena Schweitzer, MSEd³, Jim F. Anderesen, MBA⁴, Cheryl Levine, PhD, FNP¹, Reem Ghalib, MD, MS^1
1Texas Clinical Research Institute, Arlington, TX; ²Texas Clinical Research Insitute, Arlington, TX; ³Temple Christian School, Arlington, TX; ⁴The Oakridge School, Arlington, TX

Introduction: Childhood obesity rates are on the rise and physical activity levels among children are declining. The US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), recommends school-age children (ages 6-17) should get at least 60 minutes per day of moderate-to vigorous-intensity activity. Benefits of regular physical activity in children include stronger bone health, improved cognition, reduced depression and reduced risk for lifelong chronic conditions. This study aims to identify the physical activity habits of high school students grades 9-12 and the factors impacting these habits.

Methods: Data were collected through a 10 minute, 36 item, voluntary questionnaire distributed online to students from four high schools in a large metropolitan area. Data were entered into Excel and evaluated using percentages and correlations.

Results: Out of approximately 500 students, 135 responses were received. Students' ages ranged from 13-19 years old with 83 females (61%) and 52 males (39%). Sixty-one students (45.2%) identified as White, 47 (34.8%) as Asian, 14 (10.4%) as Black, 3 (2.2%) as American Indian/Alaskan Native, and 10 (7.4%) as Other. Additionally, 20 students (14.8%) identified as Hispanic or Latino. One hundred twelve students (85%) reported that at least one parent attained a college degree or higher. For survey responses, see Table 1 and for factors affecting physical activity, see Image 1.

Discussion: A significant number of students did not participate in any physical education (PE) classes (36 or 26.7%), and of those students who did take PE only 15% achieved at least 60 minutes of exercise. Despite the majority of students (81%) participating in at least 1 team sport, 48 students (35.3%) reported 0-2 days per week with exercise that increased their heart rate. Forty-five students (33%) indicated they did exercise raising their heart rate on 5 or more days a week. The most important factors that students reported that would help increase their activity level were more people to be active with (65%), more time (71%) and more fun being active (72%). To improve compliance with the DHHS guidelines and decrease childhood obesity rates, schools need to increase PE class participation and the physical activity minutes in each PE class. In addition, more emphasis needs to be placed on school and community role models to advocate for increasing physical activities among children and educating them on its long-term benefits.



Disclosures:


Kenda Al-Assi, MD¹, Sayf Ashour, MD¹, Dana Al-Assi, MD¹, Caleb Kitchens, ², Sriya Badireddi, ¹, Shelena Schweitzer, MSEd³, Jim F. Anderesen, MBA⁴, Cheryl Levine, PhD, FNP¹, Reem Ghalib, MD, MS¹. P1465 - Factors Affecting Physical Activity Habits Among High School Students Grades 9-12: A Survey Study, ACG 2024 Annual Scientific Meeting Abstracts. Philadelphia, PA: American College of Gastroenterology.