Underweight and overweight or obesity and associated factors among school-going adolescents in five ASEAN countries, 2015

Abstract

Purpose: The study examined the prevalence of underweight and overweight or obesity and its correlates among in-school adolescents in five ASEAN countries (Indonesia, Laos, Philippines, Thailand and Timor-Leste) in 2015.

Methods: Cross-sectional data were analysed from 30145 school-going adolescents (median age 14 years, interquartile range = 2) from Indonesia, Laos, Philippines, Thailand and Timor-Leste that took part in the "Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS)" in 2015. Body weight was examined by self-reported weight and height and the "international child body mass index standards". Associations with underweight and overweight or obesity were assessed using multinomial logistic regression analyses.

Results: The prevalence of underweight was 8.7% and overweight or obesity 14.0%. In adjusted multinomial logistic regression analysis, students residing in Timor-Leste, older age, male sex, bullying victimization and parental supervision were positively associated with underweight, while residing in Laos, current alcohol use and peer support were negatively associated with underweight. Coming from the Philippines and Timor-Leste, older age, experiencing hunger, current alcohol use, and in a physical fight decreased the odds for overweight or obesity, while male sex, fruit consumption, sedentary behaviour, physically attacked and parental bonding increased the odds for overweight or obesity.

Conclusion: High prevalences of underweight and overweight/obesity were identified in ASEAN countries and several correlates were identified which can help to tailor interventions.

Keywords: ASEAN; Adolescents; Nutrition; Overweight; Physical activity; Psychosocial factors; Sedentary behaviour; Underweight.