Title:Confounding Effects of Food Intake and Physical Activities on Student Body Mass Index Using General Loglinear Models

VOLUME: 17 ISSUE: 8

Author(s):Zamalia Mahmud* and NurAthirah Makhtar

Affiliation:Centre for Statistical and Decision Science Studies, Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Centre for Statistical and Decision Science Studies, Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor

Keywords:Adolescents, breakfast, eating habits, food intake, general loglinear models, physical activities, snacks.

Abstract:

Background: There is a need to prioritize the promotion of physical activity and healthy eating habits to promote healthy practices and prevent the occurrence of disease and obesity.

Objective: This study aims to examine the association between types of food intake and physical activities using General Loglinear Models (GENLOG).

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on selected secondary schools in the eastern states of Peninsular Malaysia. It involved a sample of 326 students (aged between 13 to 17 years). A questionnaire was administered to the students within the school compound and a face-to-face interview was conducted. Ratio Chi-square statistic was used to determine the association between the types of food intake and physical activities; while, Mantel Haenszel’s test of homogeneity was used to identify the presence of confounding variables.

Results: The results showed that the consumption of breakfast, fast food, and snacks was significantly associated with various physical activities with some confounding effects.

Conclusion: Comparison of several loglinear models confirmed the homogenous loglinear model as most parsimonious in explaining the association between types of food intake and physical activity among adolescents.