Use of self-reported weight and height for determining workers’ nutritional status

Abstract

Objective
To assess the use of self-reported weight and height for determining the nutritional status of workers from a poultry-processing plant in Southern Brazil.

Methods
This cross-sectional study included 902 workers aged 18-50 years. Sociodemographic variables, weight, and height were collected by a pretested and standardized questionnaire. Body mass index was then calculated for nutritional status classification. The Bland-Altman plot measured the difference and the limits of agreement between the self-reported and measured weights, heights, and body mass indices. The percentage of agreement in nutritional status classification was evaluated by workers’ sex, age, and education level.

Results
The mean differences between the self-reported and measured heights and body mass indices were 0.55 cm (lower-b; upper-b: -7.41; 6.29) (p<0.001); and -0.14 kg/m2 (lower-b; upper-b: -2.72; 2.99) (p=0.005), respectively. Excess weight was underestimated in 12.4% of the women, 7.2% of the workers with low education level, and 9.6% of the older workers (≥32 years old).

Conclusion
Self-reported measures should be used carefully for evaluating nutritional status in workers, mainly in subjects who tend to misreport, such as women, older workers, and workers with lower education level.