Health Behavior-Related Correlates of Physical and Mental Health Among Potential Conscripts

Background: The nation's defense relies on a cadre of young individuals with strong physical and mental health. The study aimed to identify health behavior-related correlates of physical and mental health in future conscripts. Methods: This cross-sectional study comprised 676 male school students with an average age of 18.48 (1.15) years. The measures of weekly physical activity, nutrition (Kidmed questionnaire), psychological well-being (WHO-5 Well-Being Index), psychological distress (Kessler scale), cardiorespiratory fitness (20 m Shuttle Run test), weight, and height for calculation of body mass index were taken. Results: Among potential conscripts (17-19-year-old males), 22% have poor cardiorespiratory fitness. More than a quarter of young males have poor psychological well-being. Better cardiorespiratory fitness is related to more recommendations-adherent nutrition (Std β = 0.133 [0.03-0.14], p < 0.05). Engagement in sports is related to better cardiorespiratory fitness (Std β = 0.202 [0.10-0.30], p < 0.05). Higher psychological distress is associated with more time spent passively (Std β = 0.145 [0.12-0.34], p < 0.01); better psychological well-being is associated with more adherent nutrition (Std β = 0.172 [0.14-0.34], p < 0.0001), more hours accumulated in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (Std β = 0.150 [0.30-1.10], p < 0.01), and less time spent passively (Std β = -0.131 [-0.34--0.11]). Conclusions: Potential conscripts' physical fitness and mental health are related to better health behaviors. Behavior change practices and policies applied at school could benefit potential conscripts and youth in general in terms of their physical and mental health.