Relationship between self-perception and factors associated with physical health in third cycle students of Primary Education. Self-concept and health in schoolchildren

Problem: the global incidence of weight problems and obesity in children has reached worrying levels, pointing out the urgency of developing prevention and intervention strategies. Objective: to examine the physical and psychosocial health status of students in the third cycle of primary education, establishing connections between physical-health, psychosocial and sociodemographic variables. Method: sample of 142 students, aged between 10 and 12 years (M=11.03 +/- 0.69). Instruments such as an ad-hoc questionnaire, scale, height gauge, AF-5 questionnaire and APALQ questionnaire were used. Results: most participants maintained a normal weight and a moderately active level of physical activity. However, it was noted that the lowest levels of self-concept were found in the physical and emotional dimensions, being more common in women than in men. Conclusion: an inverse relationship was found between the age of the participants and the academic and physical self-concept, as well as between the body mass index and the physical selfconcept.