Yat Yen1, Yumin Shi2, Bunly Soeung3, Ratny Seng4, Channy Dy5, Rathny Suy6, Kimlong Ngin7. 1. School of Public Affairs, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China; Department of Social Work, National Institute of Social Affairs, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Electronic address: yy2014@mail.ustc.edu.cn. 2. School of Public Affairs, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China. Electronic address: shym@ustc.edu.cn. 3. Faculty of Social Sciences, Svay Rieng University, Svay Rieng, Cambodia. Electronic address: bunlysoeung@sru.edu.kh. 4. School of Management, Xi'an Jiao Tong University, Xi'an, Shannxi, China. Electronic address: ratnys@yahoo.com. 5. Faculty of Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China. Electronic address: edu.dychanny@gmail.com. 6. School of Public Affairs, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China. Electronic address: rathny@mail.ustc.edu.cn. 7. Department of Computer Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China. Electronic address: nginkimlong@mail.ustc.edu.cn.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Overweight and underweight are one of the leading risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), but little research on this area has been undertaken in Cambodia. Therefore, this study aimed to measure underweight and overweight and their associated risk behaviors among Cambodian high school students. METHODS: 3806 students (mean ag = 15.65 years, SD = 1.80, age range = 11-18 years) from the 2013 Cambodia-Global School-based Student Health Survey were used to yield representative samples of the Cambodian students. Body Mass Index (BMI) was assessed by students' self-reported height and weight. The substance use, depression, eating behaviors, suicidal ideation, and violence were examined as risk factors. The Chi-square and multinomial regressions were performed to assess the relationships between risk factors and BMI. RESULTS: The prevalence of underweight was 47.4% (N = 1805, Male = 23.3%vs.24.1%) and overweight was 2.3% (N = 89, Male = 1.0%vs.1.3%). The BMI was significantly controlled by age, gender, and body height. Both underweight and overweight students were significantly vulnerable to substance use, feeling depressed, and violent behaviors. Of the risk factors, shortest sleep was prevalent for underweight students while feeling lonely and suicide attempts were the critical risks for overweight students. The daily fruit/vegetable consumption and physical activity were good preventive factors of both underweight and overweight epidemics. CONCLUSIONS: The risk behaviors of students appear to be strongly associated with underweight and overweight. Interventions targeting these risk behaviors may have the potential to reduce risks. Meanwhile, the preventive strategies should focus on vulnerable students who have poor academic performance, mental health issues and a history of violent experiences.
PURPOSE: Overweight and underweight are one of the leading risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), but little research on this area has been undertaken in Cambodia. Therefore, this study aimed to measure underweight and overweight and their associated risk behaviors among Cambodian high school students. METHODS: 3806 students (mean ag = 15.65 years, SD = 1.80, age range = 11-18 years) from the 2013 Cambodia-Global School-based Student Health Survey were used to yield representative samples of the Cambodian students. Body Mass Index (BMI) was assessed by students' self-reported height and weight. The substance use, depression, eating behaviors, suicidal ideation, and violence were examined as risk factors. The Chi-square and multinomial regressions were performed to assess the relationships between risk factors and BMI. RESULTS: The prevalence of underweight was 47.4% (N = 1805, Male = 23.3%vs.24.1%) and overweight was 2.3% (N = 89, Male = 1.0%vs.1.3%). The BMI was significantly controlled by age, gender, and body height. Both underweight and overweight students were significantly vulnerable to substance use, feeling depressed, and violent behaviors. Of the risk factors, shortest sleep was prevalent for underweight students while feeling lonely and suicide attempts were the critical risks for overweight students. The daily fruit/vegetable consumption and physical activity were good preventive factors of both underweight and overweight epidemics. CONCLUSIONS: The risk behaviors of students appear to be strongly associated with underweight and overweight. Interventions targeting these risk behaviors may have the potential to reduce risks. Meanwhile, the preventive strategies should focus on vulnerable students who have poor academic performance, mental health issues and a history of violent experiences.
Authors: Homa Pourriyahi; Niloufar Yazdanpanah; Amene Saghazadeh; Nima Rezaei Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-11-19 Impact factor: 3.390