Publication: Obesity prevalence and contributing factors among adolescents in secondary schools in Pemagatshel district, Bhutan
Issued Date
2019-01-01
Resource Type
ISSN
21910278
03340139
03340139
Other identifier(s)
2-s2.0-85061484483
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Mahidol University
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SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health. Vol.31, No.1 (2019)
Suggested Citation
Wang Norbu, Ugyen Wangdi, Desang Dorji, Dumrongkiet Arthan, Ngamphol Soonthornworasiri, Pannamas Maneekan, Pimpimon Thongthien, Nantaporn Viravathana, Pattaneeya Prangthip Obesity prevalence and contributing factors among adolescents in secondary schools in Pemagatshel district, Bhutan. International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health. Vol.31, No.1 (2019). doi:10.1515/ijamh-2016-0143 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/52325
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Title
Obesity prevalence and contributing factors among adolescents in secondary schools in Pemagatshel district, Bhutan
Abstract
© 2019 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston. Background: The prevalence of obesity has increased globally, with childhood and adolescent obesity being more common in developed countries. There has been no study on teenage obesity in Bhutan. In this study, we aimed to assess the prevalence of obesity in Bhutan for the first time in order to provide a baseline for future researchers. Methods: The investigation, which included 392 adolescents, aimed to identify the prevalence of overweight and obesity and its contributing factors. Anthropometric measurements, food recall and knowledge, attitude, behaviour and environment questionnaires were administered. The body mass index (BMI) cut-off points for adolescents matched with those of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among the participants were 7.1% and 1.5%, respectively. The prevalence of obesity was 1.0% in females and 0.5% in males (p < 0.001). There were significant (p < 0.001) correlations between BMI and other variables; however, Pearson's χ 2 test uncovered no significant associations. BMI also had no significant associations with attitude, behaviour, environment and distance travelled to school. Food recall results revealed the following findings for average food consumption: total energy intake, 3522.6 kcal; fat, 47.6 g; carbohydrate, 690.2 g; protein, 90.5 g; fibre, 20.3 g; and sodium, 12.5 g. Conclusion: The results of this study clarified the prevalence of obesity among adolescents in Bhutan, who require appropriate strategies for combating overweight and obesity.