Page 26 - nhms2012 Terengganu

TERENGGANU GSHS 2012 Results

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, 9.9% (95% CI: 7.82-12.48) of the students were at risk of becoming underweight. Males [13.1%
(95% CI: 9.11-18.47)] were signi_cantly higher than females [6.7% (95% CI: 5.02-8.84)] to be at risk of
becoming underweight (Table 3.1). About 20.5% (95% CI: 17.84- 23.51) were at risk of becoming
overweight (Table 3.2). Overall, 8.5% (95% CI: 7.18-9.94) were at risk of becoming obese (Table 3.3).
In the past 30 days, 3.2% (95% CI: 1.92-5.23) 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 45.8% (95% CI: 40.95-
50.70) of the students reported consuming fruits at least twice daily (Table 3.5.1) while, 30.4% (95%
CI: 28.50- 32.34) reported consuming vegetables at least three times daily (Table 3.6.1). A total of
31.4% (95% CI: 28.89-33.98) reported consuming both fruits and vegetables at least _ve times daily
(Table 3.6.2). Generally 27.6% (95% CI: 22.53-33.31) of the students reported consuming soft drinks
at least once daily (Table 3.7.1). A total of 5.3% (95% CI: 3.58-7.69) reported consuming food from a
fast food restaurant at least three days in the past seven day (Table 3.8.1). About 42.3% (95% CI: 37.23-
47.45) reported consuming plain water at least _ve times daily in the past 30 days (Table 3.9). Only
13.9% (95% CI: 9.66-19.62) reported they had breakfast daily in the past seven days (Table 3.10).
About 26.9% (95% CI: 24.17-29.84) of the students perceived they were slightly or very overweight.
Females [35.3% (95% CI: 31.02-39.79)] were signi_cantly more likely than males [18.8% (95% CI: 15.41-
22.72)] to perceived their weight as slightly or very overweight (Table 3.11.1). Overall, 36.5% (95% CI:
33.89- 39.24) reported trying to lose weight and it was signi_cantly higher among females [44.4%
(95% CI: 40.86-47.96)] than males [28.9% (95% CI: 24.67-33.49)] (Table 3.12.1). Overall, 72.5% (95% CI:
68.81-75.82) reported attempting to lose, gain or maintain the same weight (Table 3.12.2).

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