Search

The objective of the present study is to examine sociodemographic factors associated with consumption of confectionery among obese and non-obese adults in Malaysia. Secondary analysis of the Malaysian Adult Nutrition Survey (MANS) 2014 was performed. The survey was conducted in urban and rural areas in the 14 states of Malaysia, including the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur. Adults aged 18 years and above (n = 2696) were interviewed. The dependent variable was the total servings of confectionery consumed per week. An ordered logistic regression model was used to examine the associated sociodemographic factors in the decision of people to consume 0, 1−2, 3−5 and 6 servings of confectionery. Marginal effects of sociodemographic variables on confectionery consumption were calculated. Analyses stratified by bodyweight group were conducted. The results showed that income, education, gender, ethnicity, and employment status were significantly associated with consumption of confectionery. In particular, income, education, gender, ethnicity and employment status affected confectionery consumption, but not the other way around. However, no relationship was evidenced between age, marital status, household location and confectionery consumption. In conclusion, sociodemographic factors were related to consumption of confectionery. Policies aimed at discouraging consumption of confectionery should focus primarily on high income earners, well-educated individuals and Bumiputera.

Background: This study examines the effects of sociodemographic factors on participation in vigorous and moderate physical activity and how they vary across bodyweight group (underweight, normal, overweight, obese I, obese II). Methods: This study uses a nationally representative data with a sample of 10141 respondents. Bivariate and multivariate analyses are stratified by bodyweight group. The intensity of physical activity is measured using metabolic equivalent (MET). Vigorous physical activity has >6 MET, while moderate physical activity has ≤6 MET.Results Several important findings are noteworthy. First, age has a positive impact on moderate physical activity among obese I individuals but a negative impact on moderate physical activity among obese II individuals. Second, education is significant in determining participation in all intensity levels of physical activity among obese I individuals. Third, higher income obese II individuals spend less time in vigorous physical activity than their lower income counterparts. However, higher income overweight and obese I individuals spend less time in moderate physical activity compared with those who have lower income. Fourth, overweight, obese I and obese II males spend more time in vigorous and total physical activity than their female counterparts, but they allocate less time for moderate physical activity.Conclusions It appears that sociodemographic factors play an important role in determining participation in vigorous and moderate physical activity among overweight and obese adults. We conclude by discussing implications for policies directed towards promoting physically active lifestyle among overweight and obese adults who are unlikely to spend time in physical activity.