Correlation between the self-reported and measured weight, height and self perceived nutritional status among Indian students of medical profession

Abstract

N Prabhat, Nimmathota Arlappa, Aatif Qureshi I, Baer Philip Ravikimar, Nagalla Balakrishna

Background: Accurate measurement of weight and height is a pre-requisite for calculation of body mass index (BMI) and assessment of nutritional status of individuals. Direct measurement of weights and heights of large sample of subjects in field require huge expenditure. While collection of self reported anthropometric data may minimise the cost of nutritional surveys significantly.

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the correlation between the self-reported and measured weight, height and self perceived nutritional status

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 387 students of medical profession. Anthropometric measurements like weights and heights of all the available students were measured. Self-reported data on weight, height, and self perceived nutritional status was obtained from the same subjects.

Results: The mean self reported weight of students was 57.6 kg (95%CI: 56.3-58.8) as against the measured weight of 57.0 kg (95%CI: 55.9-58.2) and they under-reported the weight by 0.6 kg. Likewise, the self reported height was 163.7 cm (95%CI: 162.8-164.6) as against the measured height of 161.6 cm (95%CI: 160.7-162.5) and over reporting of height was 2.1 cm. The correlation between self reported and measured weight and height was 0.982 and 0.950 respectively. Under reporting of weight and over reporting of height was higher among female students and the agreement between the self perceived and measured nutritional status was higher among male students (p<0.001). The inter-observer agreement between the perceived and measured nutritional status as calculated using Kappa statistics is “moderate” (Males: 0.427 & Females: 0.492).

Conclusion: In general, the students under-reported their weight and over-reported their height and this proportion was significantly higher among female students. Therefore, it is imperative that all the adolescents and those in their early adulthood should be aware of their nutritional status to facilitate them to adopt and practice healthy dietary and lifestyle practices.

PDF