The health status of fourth form students in Northland

A random sample of fourth form students throughout Northland was studied. Uncorrected visual defects were found in 4.5% and significant hearing loss in 9.1%. Appreciable numbers were overweight; 6.2% of boys and 22.5% of girls exceeded the desirable bulk index range. Levels of total cholesterol appear decreased compared to earlier New Zealand studies and were significantly lower than the Wairoa College survey levels. There was a strong correlation between total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol. High density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly higher in non-Maori than in Maori girls. Overall systolic blood pressure for boys at 114.3 mmHg (15.2 kPa) was significantly higher than for girls at 109.5 mm Hg (14.56 kPa). One-third of boys exceeded the adult uric acid reference range; a significantly higher proportion than for girls. Fifteen point one percent of boys and 23.5% of girls reported smoking seven or more cigarettes per week; 19.1% of boys and 9% of girls reported taking regular amounts of alcohol at least every weekend.