title: A comparison between Atlantic Canadian and national correction equations to improve the accuracy of self-reported obesity estimates in Atlantic Canada.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine whether obesity correction equations for the Canadian general population, which are dependent on the prevalence of obesity, are appropriate for use in Atlantic Canada, which has the highest obesity rates in the country. Also, to compare the accuracy of the national equations to equations developed specifically for the Atlantic Canadian population.
  
  
  METHODS
  The dataset consisted of Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) 2007-2008 data collected on 17,126 Atlantic Canadians and a subsample of adults, who provided measured height and weight (MHW) data. Atlantic correction equations were developed in the MHW subsample. Using separate multiple regression models for men and women, self-reported body mass index (BMI) was corrected by multiplying the self-reported estimate by its corresponding model coefficient and adding the model intercept. Paired t-tests were used to determine whether corrected mean BMI values were significantly more accurate (i.e., closer to measured data) than the equivalent means based on self-reported data. The analyses were repeated using the national equations.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Both the Atlantic and the national equations yielded corrected obesity estimates that were significantly more accurate than those based on self-report.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results provide some evidence of the generalizability of the national equations to atypical regions of Canada.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Memorial University, St. John's, NL A1B 3V6, Canada. cindym@mun.ca
authors.forename: Cynthia L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Murray
authors.forename: Gordon W
authors.initials: GW
authors.lastname: Walsh
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Connor Gorber
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002170:Canada / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D057566:Self Report