Comparison of Dietary and Lifestyle Behavior and Weight Status among Adolescents from Multicultural Families and Non-Multicultural Families: Based on the 2017-2018 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Surveys Data
SuJin Song
Abstract
This study examined differences in dietary and lifestyle behavior and weight status among Korean adolescents from multicultural families(MF) and non-multicultural families(non-MF). This analysis included 111,067 adolescents(MF:1,751, non-MF: 109,316) from the 2017-2018 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Surveys. Data on dietary and lifestyle behavior were self-reported using a web-based questionnaire. Body mass index(BMI) was calculated using the self-reported height and weight(㎏/㎡). Weight status was determined based on the 2017 Korean National Growth Chart: underweight(weight-for-age ＜5th percentiles), overweight(85th≤ BMI-for-age ＜95th percentiles), and obesity(BMI-for-age ≥95th percentiles). Using a multiple logistic regression after adjustment for sex, school level, residence, and household income, adolescents from MF showed higher odds ratios(ORs) for being underweight(OR=1.60, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.29-1.99) and obese(OR=1.22, 95% CI=1.03-1.43) compared to those from non-MF. Adolescents from MF were less likely to intake fruit ≥5 times/week(OR=0.86, 95% CI=0.76-0.96) compared to adolescents from non-MF. Males in MF showed a lower OR for having vegetable ≥5 times/week(OR=0.74, 95% CI=0.60-0.92) than males in non-MF. The adolescents in MF also had lower frequency of consuming sweet drinks and fast foods than those in non-MF. The OR for engaging in physical activity ≥3 days/week was 0.83(95% CI=0.74-0.94) in MF’ adolescents compared to non-MF’ adolescents. Korean adolescents in MF showed higher risks for being underweight and obese as well as engaging in unhealthy dietary behavior compared to those from non-MF. Our findings can be used to develop nutrition education programs for adolescents in MF.