Accuracy of Body Weight Estimation Among Palestinian Refugee Adolescents Living in Jordan: A Cross-Sectional Study
Rasmieh Al-Amer PhD, MSc, RN
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor, Isra University of Jordan, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Amman, Jordan and Adjunct Research Fellow, Western Sydney University, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Penrith, NSW, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorYenna Salamonson PhD, RN
Professor
Professor, Western Sydney University, School of Nursing and Midwifery, and Centre for Oral Health Outcomes & Research Translation (COHORT), Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Penrith, NSW, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorAmy R. Villarosa BND
Research Assistant
Research Assistant, Western Sydney University, School of Nursing and Midwifery, and Centre for Oral Health Outcomes & Research Translation (COHORT), Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Penrith, NSW, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorMaha Subih PhD, MSc, RN
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan (ZUJ), School of Nursing and Midwifery, Amman, Jordan
Search for more papers by this authorRima Darwish DDS
Dentist
Dentist, Ministry of Health, Amman, Jordan
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
Della Maneze MD, PhD
Multicultural Health Promotion Officer
Multicultural Health Promotion Officer, South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD), Adjunct Research Fellow, Western Sydney University, School of Nursing and Midwifery, and Centre for Oral Health Outcomes & Research Translation (COHORT), Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
Correspondence
Dr. Della Maneze, Ground Floor, Suite 3, 1 Bolger Street, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia, 2560.
E-mail: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorRasmieh Al-Amer PhD, MSc, RN
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor, Isra University of Jordan, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Amman, Jordan and Adjunct Research Fellow, Western Sydney University, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Penrith, NSW, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorYenna Salamonson PhD, RN
Professor
Professor, Western Sydney University, School of Nursing and Midwifery, and Centre for Oral Health Outcomes & Research Translation (COHORT), Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Penrith, NSW, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorAmy R. Villarosa BND
Research Assistant
Research Assistant, Western Sydney University, School of Nursing and Midwifery, and Centre for Oral Health Outcomes & Research Translation (COHORT), Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Penrith, NSW, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorMaha Subih PhD, MSc, RN
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan (ZUJ), School of Nursing and Midwifery, Amman, Jordan
Search for more papers by this authorRima Darwish DDS
Dentist
Dentist, Ministry of Health, Amman, Jordan
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
Della Maneze MD, PhD
Multicultural Health Promotion Officer
Multicultural Health Promotion Officer, South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD), Adjunct Research Fellow, Western Sydney University, School of Nursing and Midwifery, and Centre for Oral Health Outcomes & Research Translation (COHORT), Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
Correspondence
Dr. Della Maneze, Ground Floor, Suite 3, 1 Bolger Street, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia, 2560.
E-mail: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
Purpose
We aimed to examine the prevalence of obesity among adolescents living in a refugee camp in Jordan and analyze the factors influencing their weight perceptions.
Design
Cross-sectional survey.
Methods
We examined the body weight perception, and the influence of psychological, cultural, and social factors, among Palestinian refugee adolescents living in Jordan using a cross-sectional survey. Univariate, bivariate, and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the relationships between body weight status, weight perception, satisfaction with weight, screen time, and depression status of these adolescents.
Results
A total of 620 adolescents participated in the study, of which 24% were either overweight or obese. Overweight or obese adolescents were more likely to underestimate their weight (p < .001), while those with depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents score > 14), were more likely to overestimate their body weight (p = .021). Having symptoms indicative of depression (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.70; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.16–2.50) and having a body mass index in the overweight/obese range (AOR = 4.16; 95% CI = 2.73–6.35) were predictors of discordant weight perception.
Conclusions
This study showed that excess body weight is a significant issue among Palestinian refugee adolescents living in a refugee camp in Jordan. Underlying depression is an important factor in excess weight and distorted weight perceptions especially among this vulnerable group.
Clinical Relevance
The study highlights the importance of addressing discordant body weight perception and depression in weight management in nursing interventions for vulnerable adolescent groups.
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