Page 25 - nhms 2012 Putrajaya

Results W.P. PUTRAJAYA GSHS 2012

3.3 Dietary Behaviours

Introduction

Overweight in adolescence is associated with hyperlipidemia, raised blood pressure (hypertension),
abnormal glucose tolerance, and adverse psychological and social consequences (38).These problems
may persist into adulthood and increase the risks for coronary heart disease, diabetes, gallbladder
disease, certain types of cancer, and osteoarthritis of the weight-bearing joints in later life. Nutritional
de^ciencies as a result of food insecurity (protein-energy malnutrition, iron, Vitamin A, and iodine
de^ciency) a\ect school participation and learning (39). Fruits and vegetables are good sources of
complex carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and other substances which are important for good
health. Dietary patterns that include higher intakes of fruits and vegetables are associated with several
health bene^ts, including a decreased risk for some types of cancer (40).

Findings

Overall, 7.0% (95% CI: 5.82-8.50) of the students were at risk of becoming underweight. Males [(9.2%
(95% CI: 7.43-11.36)] were signi^cantly higher than females [(5.4% (95% CI: 3.98-7.33)] to be at risk of
becoming underweight (Table 3.1). About 25.8% (95% CI: 23.64-28.13) were at risk of becoming
overweight (Table 3.2) while, 11.3% (95% CI: 9.82-13.00) were at risk of becoming obese. The risk of
becoming obese was signi^cantly higher in males [(14.4% (95% CI: 12.55-16.56)] than females [(9.0%
(95% CI: 7.06-11.31)] (Table 3.3). In the past 30 days, 6.2% (95% CI: 5.11-7.58) of the students reported
being hungry most of the time or always because there was not enough food in their home (Table
3.4). About, 42.6% (95% CI: 39.61-45.66) of the students reported consuming fruits at least twice daily
(Table 3.5.1) while, 26.3% (95% CI: 24.04-28.76) reported consuming vegetables at least three times
daily (Table 3.6.1). A total of 26.4% (95% CI: 24.11-28.89) reported consuming both fruits and
vegetables at least ^ve times daily (Table 3.6.2). Generally, 24.0% (95% CI: 21.45-26.70) of the students
reported consuming soft drinks at least once daily. Males [(29.0% (95% CI: 25.91-32.27)] were
signi^cantly higher [(20.2% (95% CI: 17.13-23.70)] than females (Table 3.7.1). A total of 6.3% (95% CI:
5.13-7.66) reported consuming food from a fast food restaurant at least three days in the past seven
days (Table 3.8.1). About 57.4% (95% CI: 54.33-60.51) reported consuming plain water at least ^ve
times daily in the past 30 days (Table 3.9). Only 19.4% (95% CI: 16.85-22.27) reported they had
breakfast daily in the last seven days (Table 3.10). About 40.4% (95% CI: 37.70-43.12) of the students
perceived they were slightly or very overweight. Males [30.8% (95% CI: 28.05-33.72)] were signi^cantly
more likely than females [47.7% (95% CI: 43.85-51.59)] to perceive their weight as slightly or very
overweight (Table 3.11.1). Overall, 43.0% (95% CI: 40.33-45.73) reported trying to lose weight and it
was signi^cantly higher among females [49.1% (95% CI: 45.54-52.73)] than males [35.0% (95% CI:
31.81-38.41)] (Table 3.12.1). Overall, 77.4% (95% CI: 74.93-79.67) reported attempting to lose, gain or
maintain at the same weight (Table 3.12.2).

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