Abstract

RODRIGUEZ, Clarisa I; CASTILLO-VIERA, Estefanía  and  ARBINAGA, Félix. Comparison of body mass index among schoolgirls in Catamarca as per anthropometric, self-report and figure rating scale techniques. Arch. argent. pediatr. [online]. 2019, vol.117, n.3, pp.e218-e223. ISSN 0325-0075.  http://dx.doi.org/10.5546/aap.2019.e218.

Objective. To compare mean weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) values as per different measurement techniques and analyze the influence of socioeconomic level and school type. Methods. Cross-sectional, descriptive study in a sample of 856 schoolgirls aged 15-18 years attending secondary school in the city of Catamarca. Assessment included weight and height measurement, self-reported weight and height, and Stunkard's Figure Rating Scale. Socioeconomic level was assessed based on the Family Affluence Scale. Student's t tests were used for both independent and paired samples to analyze BMI measurement techniques and school type classification, and a one-way analysis of variance was used for the socioeconomic level. Pearson's correlation and linear regressions were established. Results. Height was overestimated (p < 0.001) when self-reported compared to the anthropometric measurement. In relation to actual BMI, the self-report and body figure perception techniques showed significant differences (p < 0.001). No differences were established in terms of weight and BMI by schoolgirls' socioeconomic level. Girls who attended private schools were taller (p = 0.004); such difference was also observed in self-reported height (p < 0.001). Excess weight was observed in 29.2% of schoolgirls. Conclusion. BMI estimations varied depending on the technique, and actual BMI was underestimated.

Keywords : Body mass index; Self-report; Anthropometry; Schoolgirls; Socioeconomic status.

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