METHODOLOGY OF ADOLESCENT NUTRITION SURVEY IN MALAYSIA 2017

Abstract

Background: The Adolescent Nutrition Survey (ANS) 2017 was a second nationwide nutrition school-based health survey in Malaysia covering students aged 10 years to 17 years (Standard 4 - Form 5), who attended schools during data collection.  It aims to provide data on nutrition-related issues of adolescents in Malaysia. This paper will describe the methodology of ANS 2017.

Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional survey with multi-stage stratified cluster sampling design. The sampling frame involved all schools containing any of Standard 4 until Form 5, which were selected randomly using probability proportional to school enrolment size. The sampling was continued by a randomly selection of classes from each selected school. Within the classes, all students were included in the study. A selection of students from each selected class was done as the third stage of sampling. Data was collected via questionnaire (self-administered and face-to-face interview) and physical examination.

Result: A total of 311 schools including 212 secondary schools and 99 primary schools were involved in this survey. Of the 44,773 students eligible for this study, 40,087 students were completed the questionnaires with response rate at 89.5%.

Conclusion: The robust methodology used in ANS provides a valid and reliable national estimate for nutritional-related issues among Malaysian adolescents.

Keywords: Adolescent Nutrition Survey, Methodology, Dietary Intake, Malaysia