Healthy lifestyle among seventh-cycle secondary school students in Tayacaja, Huancavelica

Abstract

Objective: To assess healthy lifestyle practices among seventh-cycle secondary school students, considering four dimensions: physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and personal hygiene. Method: A quantitative, descriptive, non-experimental cross-sectional study was conducted. A non-probabilistic intentional sample of 330 students from three emblematic schools in Tayacaja was included (Daniel Hernández, n=120; Nuestra Señora de Lourdes, n=100; Mariscal Cáceres, n=110). A 26-item structured questionnaire was administered in person, organized into the four dimensions and grounded on guidelines from WHO, FAO, the National Sleep Foundation, and MINSA. Data were analyzed using frequencies and percentages.

Results: Insufficient practices were found across the four dimensions. Irregular physical activity reached 50%. Regarding nutrition, 60% reported unbalanced eating habits, including low fruit and vegetable intake and frequent consumption of ultra-processed foods. For sleep, more than half reported fewer hours than recommended for their age, with difficulties falling asleep and nighttime awakenings. For hygiene, 45% showed deficiencies, particularly in preventive behaviors such as periodic medical check-ups. Conclusion: Findings highlight the need to strengthen school-based health education and self-care through an integrated approach involving school, family, and community.