Estimates and distribution of body mass index in a sample of Malaysian adolescents
Zalilah, M.S.; Mirnalini, K.; Khor, G.L.; Merlin, A.; Bahaman, A.S.; Norimah, K.
Medical Journal of Malaysia 61(1): 48-58
2006
ISSN/ISBN: 0300-5283 PMID: 16708734 Document Number: 603492
A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of underweight and overweight in relation to ethnicity, gender, age and location among adolescents in Kedah and Penang, Malaysia. 6555 adolescents (3353 boys and 3202 girls; aged 11-15 years) of Malay, Chinese and Indian ethnicity from 5 urban and 9 rural secondary schools were measured for weight and height to calculate for body mass index. Data on household demographic and socioeconomic factors were obtained from parents through self-administered questionnaires. Analyses of body mass index distribution by location, ethnicity, gender and age were conducted using Chi-square test. The results showed that more rural than urban adolescents were underweight (12.1 vs. 10.3%), whereas more urban than rural adolescents were overweight (19.4 vs. 17.3%). In all ethnic, gender and age groups, rural adolescents were more likely to be underweight while urban adolescents were more likely to be overweight. The prevalence of underweight was highest in Indians (19.2%) and lowest in Chinese (7.2%). The prevalence of overweight in the 3 ethnic groups ranged from 18 to 19%. More boys than girls were underweight (15 vs. 7.8%) and overweight (19.5 vs. 16.7%). Consistent patterns were also observed across location, ethnic and age groups. As age increased, the prevalence of overweight decreased across the ethnic and gender groups. The reported findings can serve as current reference on body mass index distribution of adolescents and as a basis for future efforts in health and nutrition interventions for children and adolescents in Malaysia.