Obesity is associated with depression in Malaysian schoolchildren: A cross-sectional study

Nurumal, Mohd. Said and Zainal Abidin, Rohulizzat and Ibrahim, Wisam Nabeel and Md Isa, Muhammad Lokman and Che Hasan, Muhammad Kamil (2020) Obesity is associated with depression in Malaysian schoolchildren: A cross-sectional study. Makara Journal of Health Research, 24 (1). pp. 8-12. ISSN 2356-3664 E-ISSN 2356-3656

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Abstract

Background: Overweight and obesity, which may lead to depression, have become prevalent among children worldwide. Hence, this study aimed to measure obesity and depression among schoolchildren in Kuantan. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in three different primary schools in Kuantan by purposive sampling. With consent from their parents/guardians, participants were given a self-administered questionnaire. Demographics and anthropometric measurement data were self-reported on the basis of the school records. Furthermore, body mass index was calculated. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0, and chi-square and correlation tests were conducted for the variables. Results: Among the 300 schoolchildren who responded, 14.3% were underweight, 37.7% were normal, 11% were overweight, and 37% were obese. Statistically, obesity and ethnicity, as well as obesity and sex, were not associated. Conversely, obesity and age, as well as obesity and depression, were significantly associated. Conclusion: Depression is associated with obesity among schoolchildren. Hence, a special approach for designing and implementing prevention programs is necessary to reduce the risk of obesity-led depression and other forms of comorbidity later in life.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Additional Information:	5170/79977
Uncontrolled Keywords:	child, cross-sectional study, depression, Malaysia, mental health, obesity
Subjects:	R Medicine > RT Nursing
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Nursing
Depositing User:	Dr Muhammad Kamil Che Hasan
Date Deposited:	06 Apr 2020 11:07
Last Modified:	17 Nov 2020 16:00
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/79977

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