Linking Nutrition, Immunity and Quality of Life Among Tarlac Senior High School Students
Bases for an Adolescent Health Program Framework
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70552/pjaai.26.1.16555Keywords:
adolescent health, nutrition, immune function, Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL), Conceptual Framework, Immune Status Questionnaire (ISQ), KIDSCREEN-10 QuestionnaireAbstract
Background: Adolescence, as a developmental phase, has a larger significant role in human nutrition, and immune health plays a vital role in defining their physical and psychosocial well-being. However, there is limited empirical data from the Philippines on identifying the collective effects of nutrition and immune health on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among senior high school students. To address these gaps according to local needs, designing effective adolescent health programs is a good step forward.
Objectives: The study accomplished five objectives: (1) to assess the nutritional status of senior high school students using anthropometric measures interpreted through CDC growth charts in Tarlac City; (2) assess immune status through a validated immune function questionnaire; (3) determine health-related quality of life in physical, mental, and social dimensions using a standardized tool; (4) examine interrelationships among nutritional status, immune health, and HRQoL; and (5) create a 'conceptual framework' for adolescent health programming at Tarlac National High School.
Methodology: The study employed a quantitative, cross-sectional analytic design to examine the relationships of nutritional status, immune function, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among 420 senior high school students, aged 16 to 18, enrolled at Tarlac National High School during the academic year 2024–2025. Nutritional status was assessed based on BMI-for-age and height-for-age percentiles using the CDC growth charts. Immune functioning and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) were evaluated using validated self-report instruments, particularly the Immune Status Questionnaire (ISQ) and the KIDSCREEN-10 Questionnaire.
Results: The study showed that most students have optimal nutritional status, as measured by BMI and height-for-age percentiles, which is positively correlated with stronger immune function (r = .041 and r = .019, respectively; p < .05) and higher scores in HRQoL (r = .032 and r = .028, respectively; p < .05). This group also reported good to excellent general health and low prevalence of chronic diseases. However, a notable percentage of students were stunted (36.7%), underweight (16.7%), overweight (6.7%), or obese (5.2%). This documented coexistence of undernutrition and overnutrition reflects the dual burden of malnutrition in adolescents, emphasizing the need for tailored public health strategies.
Conclusion: The study revealed significant interrelationships among nutritional status, immune function, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of senior high school students at Tarlac National High School. Therefore, this study developed a conceptual framework entitled T.A.R.L.A.C. Health+ Initiative Program, showing that optimal nutrition enhances immune function and quality of life, supporting a holistic, school-based adolescent health program for improved student well-being.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Lorena Apple L. Eustaquio, MD , Liberiza M. Orseno-Ferrer, MD
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