Background:~Previous studies assessing the validity of~adolescent~self-reported height and weight for estimating~obesity~prevalence have not accounted for, potential bias due to nonresponse in self-reports.
Objectives:~The aim of this study was to assess the implications of selective nonresponse in self-reports of height and weight for estimates of~adolescent~obesity.
Methods:~The authors analyzed 613 adolescents ages 12{\textendash}17 years from the 2006{\textendash}2008 Los Angeles Family and Neighborhood Survey, a longitudinal study of Los Angeles County households with an oversample of poor neighborhoods.~Obesity~prevalence estimates were compared based on (a)~self-report, (b) measured height and weight for those who did report, and (c) measured height and weight for those who did report.
Results:~Among younger teens, measured~obesity~prevalence was higher for those who did not report height and weight compared with those who did (40\% vs. 30\%). Consequently,~obesity~prevalence based on self-reported height and weight underestimated measured prevalence by 12 percentage points (when accounting for nonresponse) versus 9 percentage points (when nonresponse was not accounted for). Results were robust to the choice of difference child growth references.
Discussion:~Adolescent~obesity~surveillance and prevention efforts must take into account selective nonresponse for self-reported height and weight, particularly for younger teens. Results should be replicated in a nationally representative sample.
}, year = {2013}, journal = {Nursing Research}, volume = {62}, pages = {195-202}, url = {https://journals.lww.com/nursingresearchonline/Abstract/2013/05000/Underestimation_of_Adolescent_Obesity.7.aspx}, language = {eng}, }