Associations between grades and physical activity and food choices: Results from YRBS from a large urban school district
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between television viewing time, physical activity level, food consumption patterns, and academic performance of adolescents in a large urban school district in the USA where health disparities are prevalent, particularly among minority residents.
Design/methodology/approach
The 2010 Youth Risk Behavior Survey was used to analyze the relationship between academic grades and physical activity patterns and food consumption in a large urban school district serving over 77,000 students.
Findings
Results indicated that students who self-reported grades of As and Bs had higher levels of physical activity and less screen time compared to students who reported grades of Ds and Fs. Further, as grades decreased the consumption of soda and fast food increased.
Originality/value
Higher grades track significantly with improved physical activity and lower intake of soda and fast food. These findings provide additional support for the role of regular physical activity and its positive effect on academic performance.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Jonathan Beard served as a co-author while working as an adjunct instructor at American University, and is currently an Associate Research Scientist at The College Board. The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the College Board.
Citation
Snelling, A., Belson, S.I., Beard, J. and Young, K. (2015), "Associations between grades and physical activity and food choices: Results from YRBS from a large urban school district", Health Education, Vol. 115 No. 2, pp. 141-151. https://doi.org/10.1108/HE-03-2014-0028
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited