Author(s): Tsai, AC (Tsai, Alan C.); Lin, YR (Lin, Yu-Ru)
Title: Sex and ethnic disparities in weight and height among children of transnational couples, aborigines, and Han Chinese in Taiwan
Source: NUTRITION RESEARCH, 28 (10): 664-670 OCT 2008 Language: English
Document Type: Article
Author Keywords: Growth; Sex; BMI; Ethnicity; Schoolchildren; Taiwan
KeyWords Plus: HEALTH SURVEY; PREVALENCE; NUTRITION; OVERWEIGHT;
AWARENESS
Abstract: In this study, we examined sex and ethnic disparities in growth and body mass index (BMI) status among schoolchildren of transnational families, the aborigines and Han Taiwanese in Nantou, Taiwan. We tested the hypothesis that cultural and social factors of the transnational couples could impact the growth status of their children. The study also
determined the factors associated with the growth status of schoolchildren. A total of 1674 school age children in the county were cluster sampled, and their weight and height data were statistically analyzed by 1-way analysis of variance chi(2) test, and linear regression analysis according to sex, ethnicity, and residential locations. The institutional review board of Asia University, Taiwan, ROC, approved the study protocol. Results showed that aboriginal boys were significantly shorter in stature than sons of the transnational couples and Han
Taiwanese. However, weight and BMI were not different among the 3 groups. Daughters of the transnational couples were significantly shorter and lighter, whereas the aboriginal girls were shorter but not lighter and had significantly greater BMI compared with their Flan Taiwanese Counterparts. Regression analysis revealed significant associations of weight and BMI with sex and ethnicity. Results suggest that culture plays a role in sex disparity. Ethnic and sex disparities in growth status exist in Taiwan. Aboriginal boys and girls are shorter but not lighter compared with their Han Taiwanese counterparts, whereas daughters but not Soils of transnational couples are shorter and lighter compared with Han Taiwanese Counterparts.
These findings are useful information for the educators and healthcare policy makers for improving diet and health. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Addresses: [Tsai, Alan C.] Univ Michigan, Dept Environm Hlth Sci, Sch Publ Hlth, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA; [Tsai, Alan C.; Lin, Yu-Ru] Asia Univ, Grad Inst Healthcare Adm, Taichung 41354, Taiwan
Reprint Address: Tsai, AC, Univ Michigan, Dept Environm Hlth Sci, Sch Publ Hlth, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA.
E-mail Address: [email protected]
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Publisher: PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD
Publisher Address: THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND
ISSN: 0271-5317
DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2008.06.008 29-char Source Abbrev.: NUTR RES ISO Source Abbrev.: Nutr. Res.
Source Item Page Count: 7
Subject Category: Nutrition & Dietetics ISI Document Delivery No.: 363UE
