Student health survey shows mixed results (Saskatoon)

Saskatoon Health Region: The latest results from a student health survey targeting grades 5 to 8 conducted across four school divisions identifies a number of health issues that need to be addressed. This is the third time the survey has been conducted with the Saskatoon Public School and Greater Saskatoon Catholic School Divisions, and the first time in schools within the Horizon and Prairie Spirit School Divisions. Some of the key findings include:

* 16.4 per cent reported being optimally active (this figure was 6.3 per cent for low-income neighbourhood schools and 20.3 per cent for high-income neighbourhood schools)

* 3.3 per cent reported trying smoking (from a puff to smoking everyday) (this figure was 13.0 per cent for low-income neighbourhood schools and 1.7 percent for high-income neighbourhood schools)

* 64.4 per cent reported very good/excellent mental health status (this figure was 46.9 percent in low-income neighbourhood schools and 74.1 per cent in high-income neighbourhood schools)

* 60.3 per cent reported not consuming the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables (this figure was similar across all schools)