Prevalence and risk factors of overweight among adolescents: an analysis of Bhutan Global School-based Student Health Survey data. Issue 1 (2nd January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dendup, Tashi; Putra, I Gusti Ngurah Edi; Tobgay, Tashi; Dorji, Gampo; Phuntsho, Sonam; Wangdi, Sonam; Yangchen, Pemba; Wangdi, Kencho
• Is Part Of: Vulnerable children and youth studies. Volume 17:Issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: 13
• Page End: 26
• Publication Date: 2022-01-02
• Subjects: Overweight -- obesity -- adolescents -- sedentary -- risk factors -- Bhutan; Child psychopathology -- Periodicals; Abused children -- Periodicals; Abused teenagers -- Periodicals; Mentally ill children -- Periodicals; 362.7
• DOI: 10.1080/17450128.2021.1903125
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1745-0128

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The burden of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents has increased, especially in developing countries, posing a significant health challenge. Data on factors influencing overweight among adolescents is scarce in Bhutan. The present study examined the factors associated with overweight among school-going adolescents in Bhutan. This study analysed the nationally representative data from the Bhutan Global School-based Student Health Survey (BGSHS) conducted in 2016. The factors associated with overweight were identified by conducting multiple logistic regression analysis using a backward elimination approach. The complex survey design of the BGSHS was accounted for in the analysis. This study found that the prevalence of overweight was 11.35%. The findings showed that females, adolescents who were day students, and sedentary had higher odds of being overweight, whereas those aged >15 years and received education on healthy eating had reduced odds in the full sample. Female adolescents who were sedentary had increased odds of overweight. In the males' only sample, being a day student and living in urban areas was associated with increased odds of overweight, whereas those boys who received education on healthy eating and smoked cigarettes had reduced odds. Being >15 years of age was a common factor associated with reduced odds of overweight. Based on findings, policies aimed to reduce sedentariness and promote a healthy diet and behaviour can help reduce the risk of being overweight. Interventions targeting females, young adolescents, day students, and adolescents living in urban areas may be cost-effective.