The Relationship Between Health and Academic Performance in School-Age Children

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Abstract
The purpose of this descriptive correlational study was to investigate the relationship between health and academic performance in school-age children. Comprising the sample were 124 children in third (n = 69) and sixth grades (n = 55). Health was defined and operationalized as a multidimensional concept and measured by examination of clinical health problems, behavioral health problems, and a subjective component using the Child's Health Self-concept Scale (CHSCS). Academic performance was measured with the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS). Data for third- and sixth-grade children were analyzed separately using descriptive and correlational statistics. One indicator of health for each grade was significantly related to academic performance. In third-grade children, the number of sickroom visits was inversely related to academic performance (r =. 23; p =. 05). In sixth-grade children, the CHSCS scores were positively correlated with academic performance (r =. 34; p =. 01). Implications of these findings and others are discussed.