Awareness of body mass index and its associated factors: A cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACT

This study explores the correlates of sociodemographic factors, smoking, and caloric knowledge to body mass index awareness with a focus on Malaysia. Logistic regressions were estimated to examine sociodemographic factors associated with body mass index awareness. More than half of respondents were unaware of their body mass index (54.8%). Age was negatively associated with body mass index awareness. Adults without formal education were less likely to know their body mass index than those with tertiary-level education. Adults were less likely to be aware of their body mass index if they engaged in smoking. Adults with knowledge of the definition of calories were more aware of their body mass index than others. The findings emphasize the urgent need for a forthcoming sociodemographic factors-specific policy directed toward improving body mass index awareness to lower the prevalence of obesity in Malaysia.