Vol. 7, Issue 1, Part A (2025)

Background of the study: Investigating how local cultural practices and traditions in the Purvanchal region influence physical activity, diet, and lifestyle choices among children, and how these practices affect BMI and PFI. 
Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore how cultural beliefs and practices influence schoolboys' physical activity levels and overall health. 
Materials and Methods: This study involved 400 schoolboys aged 12-16 from 10 schools in Alipurduar, West Bengal, with equal representation from government and private schools. Participants were grouped into four age categories: 12-13 years (41), 13-14 years (115), 14-15 years (145), and 15-16 years (99). The purposive sampling method was used to select students, focusing on key measurements such as height, weight, BMI, and HST. Data was collected between July and September 2022-23. Descriptive statistics summarized the data, and a one-way ANOVA with Tukey's HSD post-hoc test was used to assess and identify significant differences in BMI and PFI between age groups, with a significance level of p<0.05. 
Results: The study shows a concerning trend of undernutrition and poor physical fitness among school boys in the selected district. Despite the slight improvement in PFI with age, the low BMI levels across all age groups highlight the need for interventions targeting both nutritional improvement and physical activity enhancement. These interventions could contribute to better overall health and fitness outcomes for children in this region. 
Conclusion: The study brings attention to an important public health issue and calls for integrated efforts in improving both nutritional and physical fitness levels to support the well-being of school children in the Eastern Himalayan foothills of India. 
Implication: The findings could suggest a need for better nutritional and physical fitness interventions, as low BMI and poor physical fitness are prevalent across all age groups. This could be addressed through targeted school health programs aimed at improving diet and exercise among children in the district.