The results of the study also underscored the need for greater sex education and counselling matters relating to personal hygiene.

These results were recently reviewed by the Cabinet of ministers in the federal government of St Kitts and Nevis when it pointed out that students between the ages of thirteen and fifteen brush their teeth at least once or more a day, some are overweight and a percentage is indulging in sexual activities.

The statistics presented to the members of Cabinet saw 32.5% of students in the secondary schools were found to be overweight, 96.3% of students brush their teeth once or more daily, while 25.6% of students engaged in physical activity for at least one hour per day and 31.7% of students have had sexual intercourse.

The information derived from the School-based Health survey which was conducted in all secondary schools on the islands by the Ministry of Health, part of its efforts to better serve the health interest of the nation explained a press release from CUOPM.

Over 1700 students in forms 2, 3 and 4 participated in the March 2011 survey.

Other questions of the survey touched, dietary behaviours, mental health, physical activity, protective factors, sexual behaviour, violence and injuries profile of the students.

The Ministry of Health explained that the information collected will be used in key decision-making and that it will continue to advocate for healthy lifestyle in all of its aspects.