[Use of self-reported values of body weight and body height in nutritional status evaluation in adolescents].
BACKGROUND
The aim of our study was to assess validity of self-reported body weight and height compared to measured values in a group of adolescents. We also investigated differences in reported and measured values and factors responsible for them in this particular population.


METHODS
295 adolescents aged 11-14 (114 boys and 131 girls) attending primary schools in central Belgrade, recorded their BMI and completed a series of questionnaires measuring body satisfaction and eating patterns. All participants were measured afterwards.


RESULTS
Differences between reported and measured weights were highly significant in girls (48.84 +/- 8.42 kg vs 49.69 +/- 9.28 kg). Significant differences between reported and measured weights were established in the group of adolescents with weight problems (-3.18 +/- 4.03 kg). Adolescents on diets presented a difference of -1.36 +/- 3.36 kg. Weight problems (OR 3.72, 95%CI: 2.10-4.75) and female gender (errors occurred more often for 22%, 95%CI: 0.23-1.80) were significant predictors in multivariate regression model for discrepancy of reported and measured weights. In a multivariate regression model, where differences in BMI were dependent variable, weight category was a significant predictor, with differences being 1.65 times more common (95%CI: 1.13-2.11).


CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest that self-reported body weight and height have limited reliability and can be used only in normal weight male adolescents. This method should not be recommended in surveys that involve overweight and/or obese adolescents and those who are on diet.
Backović
Dusan
D
Institut za higijenu i medicinsku ekologiju, Medicinski fakultet, Beograd, 11000 Beograd, Pasterova 2.
Jorga
Jagoda
J
Marinković
Jelena
J
Dordević
Ivana
I
D000293:Adolescent; D017195:Adolescent Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D001827:Body Height; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009752:Nutritional Status