FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH BODY WEIGHT MISPERCEPTION AMONG ADOLESCENTS: FINDINGS FROM ADOLESCENT NUTRITION SURVEY 2017

Abstract

Background: Body weight misperception refers to a perception of either underestimation or overestimation of own body weight irrespective of actual body mass index. This study aimed to determine body weight misperception and its associated factors among Malaysian adolescents.

Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study with two-stage stratified cluster sampling data was obtained from Adolescents Nutrition Survey 2017 which involved 40087 adolescents aged 10 to 17 years old. Socio-demography and body weight perception data were obtained using a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive and logistic regression analysis using complex sample was performed for data analysis.

Result: Findings showed that among adolescents who were actually in overweight categories but misperceived themselves to be thin and normal was 49.3%. Logistic regression revealed that boys [aOR: 1.16 (95% CI: 1.089, 1.228)] , primary school [aOR: 1.51 (95% CI: 1.393, 1.644)] and taking dietary supplement [aOR: 1.11 (95% CI: 1.048, 1.183)] were significantly associated with body weight misperception.

Conclusion: This findings should be utilised by relevant programme managers in developing school-based health promotion program through education or curriculum syllabus to inculcate healthy body image among the adolescent.

Keywords: Misperception, body weight, adolescents, youth, factors associated.