Faculty Collaboration Database

Misreporting Weight and Height Among Mexican and Puerto Rican Men. Am J Mens Health 2021;15(2):15579883211001198

Date

03/25/2021

Pubmed ID

33759632

Pubmed Central ID

PMC7995458

DOI

10.1177/15579883211001198

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85103179041 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   1 Citation

Abstract

Most obesity prevalence data rely on self-report, which typically differs when compared to objectively measured height, weight, and body mass index (BMI). Given that Latino men have high rates of obesity in the United States and demonstrate greater misreporting compared to Caucasian men, examining the factors that contribute to misreporting among Latino men is warranted. This study examined BMI, Latino ethnic background (Mexican or Puerto Rican), and social desirability in relation to misreporting of BMI, as defined as the discrepancy between self-reported and measured height and weight, in Latino men. Participants were 203 adult Mexican and Puerto Rican men, average age 39.41 years, who participated in a larger study. Participants self-reported their weight and height, had their weight and height objectively measured, and completed a measure of social desirability. Measured BMI was the strongest predictor of misreporting BMI, such that the greater the participants' BMI, the greater the discrepancy in BMI (p < .001). Misreporting of BMI did not vary based on ethnic background, and measured BMI did not moderate the relationship between social desirability and misreporting of BMI. When normative error was distinguished from misreporting in post-hoc analyses, results showed that only 34.5% of participants demonstrated misreporting. Findings highlight the importance of identifying normative error when examining misreporting in order to improve the accuracy of self-reported BMI data. Future research on misreporting for Latino men should include weight awareness, acculturation, and length of U.S. residency as these variables may be related to self-reported weight and height.

Author List

Aylward LL, Schneider KL, Sanchez-Johnsen L

Author

Lisa Sanchez-Johnsen PhD Center Associate Director, Professor in the Institute for Health and Equity department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adolescent
Adult
Body Height
Body Mass Index
Body Weight
Humans
Male
Mexico
Middle Aged
Obesity
Puerto Rico
Self Report
United States