Abstract

The link between the healthy lifestyle and the academic achievement of school children were assessed in the survey for better academic achievement in integrated science. The survey also considered the key elements of healthy lifestyle to improve school children health which will subsequently improve their performance in school as well. These elements of healthy lifestyle are many but the index for the purpose of this study investigated on: food type, attitude to personal hygiene and physical activity. The researchers however investigate the impact of healthy lifestyle in a combined form on the academic achievement of the students in integrated Science. Four research questions and four hypotheses were raised to guide the study. A 20 items structured questionnaire was the research instrument. A total sample size of 100 students was randomly selected from the total population of five (5) selected schools in Iseyin Local Government Area of Oyo State. The four hypotheses raised were tested using chi-square. The study revealed that: food type, hygiene and physical activity, all are important for good health and the study also revealed that healthy lifestyle in general would help to improve academic achievement of the students. However, the study made the recommendations that: Parents should be sensitized on the importance of giving children adequate and nutritional food, every stakeholder in education should encourage the students to adopt and keep to healthy lifestyle , Parents and guardians should be sensitized on the importance of living healthy lifestyle and its effects on the academic achievement of their students and finally, the teachers and schools generally should be academically prepared to organize appropriate developmental learning experience that can empower students to embrace safer and healthier lifestyles.

Key words: Academic achievement, Children’ health, personal hygiene, health education, healthy lifestyle