BARRIERS TO ADOPTING A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE AMONG SCHOOL CHILDREN: CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Background: Despite widespread awareness of healthy living, school-aged children continue to face significant barriers to adopting and sustaining healthy lifestyle practices. These barriers contribute to rising rates of childhood obesity and related health conditions. Objective: This study aimed to assess lifestyle behaviors and identify perceived barriers to healthy living among school-going children, with the goal of informing targeted health interventions. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 158 school children aged above 12 years, selected from Nainy Vally school, Haldwani using simple random sampling. Data were collected via a structured, self-administered questionnaire covering socio demographics, dietary habits, physical activity, screen time, and perceived lifestyle barriers. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v26. Results: Key barriers identified included lack of time for physical activity (54.5%), preference for screen time (50.6%), and poor taste perception of healthy food (40.5%). While 69% of students reported daily breakfast intake, only 26.6% engaged in physical activity ≥5 times/week. High screen time (>3 hrs/day) was observed in 43.7% of participants. Lifestyle behaviors were significantly associated with gender, parental education, and sports participation (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The gap between health knowledge and practice among school children is influenced by personal, social, and environmental factors. Interventions must go beyond awareness and address structural barriers, parental involvement, and school-based policy changes to promote sustainable health behaviors.