Lifestyles by Academic Semester in Upper Secondary School Adolescents from a Rural Institution in Guerrero

Abstract

Adolescence is a key stage for adopting habits that influence health and well-being. The aim of this study was to identify and compare the lifestyles of second- and sixth-semester students at a public upper-secondary school in the State of Guerrero, using the Lifestyle Scale for Mexican Adolescents.

A quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted. The sample consisted of 65 students selected through non-probability convenience sampling. The instrument used comprises 40 Likert-type items evaluating six dimensions: diet, physical activity, emotional state, social relationships, substance use, and health (disease prevention and sexuality).

Statistical analysis was performed using Jamovi version 2.7 and included descriptive statistics, Cronbach's alpha, the Shapiro-Wilk normality test, the Mann-Whitney U test, and Spearman's rho correlation.

The results showed adequate internal consistency for the instrument (α = .812). Statistically significant differences were identified between second- and sixth-semester students in the dimensions of substance use (U = 347, p = .014) and health (U = 367, p = .038), as well as in the total lifestyle score (U = 348, p = .020). Additionally, a significant negative correlation was observed between the academic semester and the total lifestyle score (ρ = −0.292, p = .018).

In conclusion, sixth-semester students showed lower scores in the total lifestyle measure, as well as in the health and substance use dimensions, compared to second-semester students. These findings provide evidence regarding lifestyle differences among adolescents in a rural context and highlight the importance of strengthening health promotion strategies within the school setting.