The Relationship between Body Mass Index and Physical Fitness Index among Male Students of the Public Health Study Program at Dhyana Pura University

Abstract

Body Mass Index (BMI) is one of the indicators of nutritional status, while the Physical Fitness Index reflects the body’s ability to perform physical activities effectively without experiencing excessive fatigue. Changes in students’ lifestyles, such as insufficient physical activity and sedentary behavior, may affect BMI and physical fitness levels. This study aimed to determine the relationship between BMI and the Physical Fitness Index among male students of the Public Health Study Program at Universitas Dhyana Pura. This quantitative study employed a correlational approach with a cross-sectional design. The study sample consisted of 30 male students who met the study criteria. BMI was assessed based on body weight and height, while physical fitness was assessed using the Harvard Step Test and calculated based on the Physical Fitness Index (PFI). The relationship between the variables was analyzed using the Spearman correlation test. The results showed that the majority of respondents had a normal BMI, comprising 19 respondents (63.3%). Based on the Physical Fitness Index, 6 respondents (20.0%) were categorized as poor, 1 respondent (3.3%) as below average, 8 respondents (26.7%) as average, 7 respondents (23.3%) as good, and 8 respondents (26.7%) as excellent. The Spearman correlation test yielded a correlation coefficient of −0.513 with a p-value of 0.004 (p < 0.05), indicating a significant negative relationship between BMI and the Physical Fitness Index. It can be concluded that there is a significant relationship between BMI and the Physical Fitness Index among male students of the Public Health Study Program at Universitas Dhyana Pura.