Scientific Research: Country or City, Influence on Health and Activities of Adolescents
Team of researchers from the Faculty of Sports and Physical Education at the University of Montenegro – Erol Vrević, Pavle Malović, Dragan Bačović, Danilo Bojanić, and Aldijana Nokić – conducted the first national study examining how residence location affects the nutritional status and physical activity of adolescents in Montenegro. The research, carried out in 27 high schools across the country, included 1,503 adolescents aged 13.9 to 17.9 years and was published in the international journal BMC Public Health (SCI, SCIE, SSCI, A&HCISCOPUS).
The research team collected data from 14 municipalities in Montenegro using anthropometric measurements such as Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR), and Body Fat Percentage (BF). Physical activity was assessed using the standardized PAQ-C questionnaire, which measures activity levels during different periods of the day.
Adolescents were categorized into urban (69.6%) and rural (30.4%) groups, allowing for a direct comparison between the two environments.
Nutritional status and physical activity are critical factors in adolescent health, a life stage that shapes future generations. The study aimed to evaluate whether, and to what extent, differences between urban and rural environments impact these aspects, with the goal of developing strategies to improve the health of youth across the country.
Key Findings
Overweight and Obesity:
14.7% of male and 12% of female adolescents were overweight, while 10.1% of boys and 3.1% of girls were obese.
There were no significant differences in nutritional status between adolescents from urban and rural areas, indicating that obesity is a nationwide concern requiring attention regardless of residence.
Physical Activity:
Boys from rural areas had higher levels of physical activity than their urban counterparts (p = 0.032), particularly during leisure time, physical education classes, short breaks, and lunch breaks.
Girls from rural areas were more active than their urban peers only during leisure time (p = 0.020), with no significant differences in other periods.
In urban areas, adolescents face more restrictions on space for physical activity and spend more leisure time using electronic devices. Conversely, rural adolescents engage more frequently in physical tasks and outdoor activities, contributing to their higher activity levels.
Recommendations
The study highlighted the need to:
Develop play areas and sports facilities in urban areas.
Organize programs to encourage physical activity among youngsters.
Provide continuous education on importance of healthy lifestyles.
These findings offer critical guidance for policymakers to enhance youth health in Montenegro.
Publication
The studys publication in a prestigious international journal underscores its significance for the scientific and broader community. It is available at: BMC Public Health (SCI, SCIE, SSCI, A&HCISCOPUS).
Information about the study is taken from the Scientific Works List of the University of Montenegro.