Abstract
Background: Unhealthy habits can lead to obesity, chronic diseases, and mental health issues in all age group, especially among young children. Therefore, fostering a supportive environment that encourages healthy lifestyles from an early age is essential for ensuring children's long-term health and well-being. Ayurveda, through its holistic approach to health, as encapsulated in "Dinacharya," provides a structured daily regimen aimed at promoting health and preventing diseases. There was no previous study that explains what are the understanding and practice of Dinacharya regimen in the community.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) survey was conducted among 400 high school students of Belagavi district. 10 high schools are selected by lottery method. A structured, pre-designed validated questionnaire was distributed to subjects those fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Study participants self-reported their knowledge, attitude & practice regarding Dinacharya by answering the questions of questionnaire. Composite scores were calculated for each domain. The scores were divided into three categories to make cut-off for determining good knowledge, attitude and practice.

Result: Out of 400 High school students, 73% were female, with mean age of 14.38±0.8. It was found that majority of participants had a positive attitude toward Dinacharya, though their knowledge and practice levels remained moderate. A significant, positive linear correlation was observed between knowledge-attitude (r=0.433,p<0.001), knowledge-practice (r=0.499,p<0.001) and attitude-practice (r=0.274,p<0.001. The mother’s education was significantly and positively correlated with the mean knowledge score, while the education of study participants significantly and positively correlated with mean attitude and practice scores.

Conclusion: Children had moderate knowledge and practice of Dinacharya, along with positive attitude. This study recommends activities to promote knowledge and awareness of the positive effect of Dinacharya practice on health, as well as health risks associated with poor daily routine. Maternal education affects the knowledge and practice of students; therefore, there is need for an educational program specifically targeting parents.

Key words: Dinacharya, Ayurveda, Lifestyle, Daily regimen, School children, Questionnaire, KAP