Self-Reported Height and Weight in Oceanian School-Going Adolescents and Factors Associated With Errors

We examined the accuracy of self-reported weight and height in New Caledonian school-going adolescents. Self-reported and measured height and weight data were collected from 665 adolescents of New Caledonia and were then compared. Multivariable logistic regressions identified the factors associated with inaccurate self-reports. Sensitivity and specificity of self-reported body mass index values to detect overweight or obesity were evaluated. Self-reported weight was significantly lower than measured weight (boys, -3.56 kg; girls, -3.13 kg). Similar results were found for height (boys, -2.51 cm; girls, -3.23 cm). Multiple regression analyses indicated that the difference between self-reported and measured height was significantly associated with ethnicity and pubertal status. Inaccurate self-reported weight was associated with socioeconomic status, place of residence, body-size perception and weight status. Screening accuracy of self-reported body mass index was low, particularly in the Melanesian subgroup. These findings should be considered when overweight is estimated in the Melanesian adolescent population at individual scale.