Comprehensive evaluation of health status of Tibetan primary and middle school students based on an artificial neural network model

The high-altitude and unique climatic conditions of Tibet can have a significant impact on the growth and development of local children and adolescents. We aimed to apply an artificial neural network model to evaluate the physical health status of primary and secondary school students aged 7 to 18 years in Shigatse, Tibet, China. A cross-sectional study was conducted among eligible primary and secondary school students from 7 randomly selected schools in Shigatse, Tibet, China, between April and October 2024. Health-related data, including height, weight, lung vital capacity, visual acuity, and dental caries, were recorded. By applying a comprehensive evaluation index system, an artificial neural network model was constructed to evaluate the health status of these students. A total of 4106 students (2047 boys and 2059 girls) were included. The body shape score (based on body mass index), body mass index of vital capacity, and health disorder score were 72.83 ± 12.29, 70.97 ± 8.45, and 69.26 ± 9.52, respectively. The corresponding measurements for boys and girls were 72.58 ± 12.22 and 73.07 ± 12.37, 69.02 ± 8.33 and 72.91 ± 8.11, and 69.22 ± 9.69 and 69.30 ± 9.36, respectively. The prevalence of myopia, dental caries, severe underweight, underweight, overweight, obesity, and growth retardation was 59.24%, 70.21%, 8.04%, 7.84%, 3.97%, 1.14%, and 7.67%, respectively. The mean and variance of health comprehensive scores were 70.42 ± 5.88, with 70.06 ± 5.75 and 70.77 ± 5.99 for boys and girls, respectively. The overall health status of Tibetan primary and secondary school students was moderate. Underweight, dental caries, and myopia were important health problems in these students. Public health departments, schools, and parents should work together to provide more comprehensive health education, supply necessary resources, and guide these students in adopting a healthy lifestyle to promote normal growth and development.