Media Use and BMI among Secondary Students in Kuching, Malaysia
Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: The Relationship between Media Use and Body Mass Index among Secondary Students in Kuching South City, Sarawak, Malaysia
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Original source:
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Whye Lian Cheah, Ching Thon Chang, Saimon Rosalia, Lai Dekun Charles, Sze Lin Yii, Pik Hoong Tiong, Kim Pey Yeap
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:
(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)
Full text available for: The Relationship between Media Use and Body Mass Index among Secondary Students in Kuching South City, Sarawak, Malaysia
Year: 2011
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Overweight and obesity rates among adolescents have risen significantly, prompting concern about their health and well-being. This study focused on determining the body mass index (BMI) among secondary school students in Kuching South City, Malaysia, and explored the relationships between media use, BMI, socio-demographic profiles, and snacking behaviors while watching television. With a sample of 316 adolescents aged 13�17 years from seven secondary schools, data were gathered through questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. The methodology involved various statistical tests to analyze the impacts and correlations among the variables.
The Influence of Media Use on BMI
A remarkable finding of the study was that the mean BMI for boys (20.56 kg/m²) and girls (20.15 kg/m²) did not differ significantly, suggesting that the adolescent population generally maintained a normal weight status. Additionally, the average time spent on media use was approximately 4.69 hours on weekdays and 5.69 hours on weekends, with boys consuming more media than girls. Notably, there were no significant correlations between BMI and the amount of media time or snacking habits during media consumption. While some demographics indicated certain patterns in media use, such as higher hours among self-employed fathers' children, overall, the study concluded that media time did not affect body weight in this population.
Conclusion
In summary, the study highlights the current state of adolescent BMI in Kuching South City and explores how media use and socio-demographic factors interact with weight status. Despite expectations, media use was not found to negatively impact BMI, as the respondents tended to consume healthier snacks while watching television. This finding suggests that normal weight can coexist with significant media engagement, raising questions about the relationship between lifestyle behaviors and weight in urban adolescents. Further research is necessary to understand these dynamics and develop effective public health strategies addressing adolescent obesity.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the mean BMI of adolescents in the study?
The mean BMI for boys was 20.56 kg/m2 and for girls, it was 20.15 kg/m2, indicating that both genders generally had normal weight according to the study.
How much media time do adolescents spend on average?
On average, adolescents devoted 4.69 hours to media use on weekdays and 5.69 hours on weekends, totaling about 10.39 hours of media time each week.
What correlation exists between media use and BMI in this study?
The study found no significant correlation between media time and BMI, as respondents were of normal weight despite their media usage habits.
What were the main snacking habits during media consumption?
Respondents reported consuming more cereals compared to soft drinks and junk foods while engaging with media, indicating a preference for relatively healthier snacks during television watching.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Media Use and BMI among Secondary Students in Kuching, Malaysia�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Study (Studying):
The study refers to a systematic investigation aimed at identifying the relationships among BMI, media usage, socio-demographic profiles, and snacking behaviors among adolescents. It highlights the importance of research in addressing public health issues such as obesity, ensuring that findings can guide interventions and policy decisions related to adolescent health.
2) Table:
In the context of the study, tables are used to present summarized data, such as demographics and statistical findings related to BMI, media use, and parental education levels. Tables facilitate quick comprehension of complex information, enabling readers to easily compare and analyze results for clarity in research outcomes.
3) Education:
Education is significant in determining health outcomes and behaviors. Parental education levels can influence children's BMI and dietary habits, indicating that higher education may correlate with better health literacy. This relationship underscores the importance of promoting education as a foundational aspect of public health strategies to prevent obesity.
4) Disease:
The study addresses the correlation between obesity and various diseases, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, which disproportionately affect adolescents. Understanding the relationship between body weight and disease can help develop targeted interventions to reduce health risks in overweight and obese populations.
5) Language:
Language plays a crucial role in communication and dissemination of research findings. The study utilized a dual-language questionnaire, ensuring accessibility for respondents of different language backgrounds. Clear language is essential for collecting accurate data and for informing diverse audiences about health issues and research findings.
6) House:
The home environment influences lifestyle choices, including media use and dietary habits. The study indicates that the number of television sets and parental occupations are associated with adolescents' media consumption, emphasizing how household dynamics can affect health behaviors and contribute to adolescent obesity risk.
7) Food:
Food consumption is central to the research, particularly regarding snacking behaviors during media use. The study reveals how adolescents' food preferences, influenced by media exposure, could impact their BMI. Understanding food choices is vital for developing effective nutrition education and interventions to combat obesity.
8) Measurement:
Measurement refers to the quantification of BMI and other variables in the study. Accurate measurement methods are essential for determining the prevalence of overweight among adolescents, enabling researchers to draw valid conclusions. Reliable measurements form the foundation for effective public health policies and interventions.
9) Discussion:
The discussion section interprets results and relates them to existing literature. It provides insights into the implications of study findings on public health strategies. This section is integral for synthesizing research contributions and guiding future studies aimed at addressing adolescent obesity and related health issues.
10) Account:
Account refers to the documentation and reporting of findings within the study. It encompasses how the research is structured, with detailed accounts of methodologies, results, and interpretations. A thorough account enhances transparency and reproducibility in research, which is essential for advancing scientific knowledge.
11) Cancer:
Cancer is mentioned as a potential long-term consequence of obesity. The study highlights the importance of understanding obesity-related health risks, including the increased likelihood of various cancers. Preventative measures targeting weight management in adolescents can significantly reduce the incidence of obesity-related diseases, including cancer.
12) Indian:
The mention of 'Indian' refers to a demographic group within the study's diverse population in Kuching. Understanding racial and ethnic variations in health behaviors is crucial for tailoring public health interventions that effectively address the specific needs of different communities, including the Indian population.
13) Field:
Field denotes the area of study or research domain relevant to public health and adolescent obesity. The field encompasses various disciplines, including nutrition, psychology, and epidemiology. Research within this field is vital for understanding complex health issues and designing comprehensive interventions to promote healthier lifestyles.
14) Life:
Life refers to the overall well-being and health of individuals. The study examines how lifestyle factors, such as media use and dietary behaviors, influence adolescents' health outcomes. Promoting healthy life choices is key to preventing obesity and enhancing quality of life during adolescence and beyond.
15) Wall:
In the context of the study, 'wall' may refer metaphorically to barriers, such as limited resources or environmental factors that hinder healthy lifestyle choices among adolescents. Addressing these barriers is essential for developing effective interventions to promote healthier behaviors and reduce obesity rates.
16) Pur:
Poor health outcomes and socio-economic status are of concern in the study. Adolescents from low-income families may experience higher rates of obesity due to limited access to healthy food options and education. Identifying and addressing the needs of poorer populations is critical for effective health interventions.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Media Use and BMI among Secondary Students in Kuching, Malaysia�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Cultural diversity, Adolescent, Public health, Urban population, Educational level, Statistical analysis, Health consequences, Significant difference, Private sector, Emotional consequences, Sample size, Body mass index, Cross-sectional study, One-way ANOVA, Chi square test, Overweight and obesity, Adolescent obesity, Response rate, Socio-demographic factors, Mann–Whitney U-test, Independent t-test, Socio Demographic Profile, Monthly income, Overweight adolescents, National Health and Morbidity Survey, Government sector, Secondary school student, Secondary school.