Evaluation of Body Mass Index of Sri Lankan Undergraduates

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Both physical and mental health is very important for the university students for confirmation of higher academic performances. It is obvious that undergraduates can easily obtain a variety of foods and beverages for a lower price inside the university premises. One of the measurements to evaluate the physical health of a person is Body Mass Index (BMI). It depends on person’s height and weight. OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this research is to compare the BMI values of undergraduates in different Sri Lankan universities. METHODS: The target group of this research were undergraduates of University of Colombo, University of Ruhuna and University of Peradeniya. By using proportional allocation, a sample of 700 undergraduates were selected using stratified random sampling method. BMI values were compared with respect to sex, university, place of accommodation, faculty and other important factors. It was found that about 90% of undergraduates have given responses correctly. RESULTS: The mean value of BMI of undergraduates of all three universities was 20.3 kg/m2. Maximum and minimum BMI values were 39.1 kg/m2 and 14.2kg/m2.Majority were in the normal range of BMI whereas, 26.19% were under-weight and 10.32%, over-weight. Maximum BMI values were observed among undergraduates who were residing in their own homes. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant differences in the minimum BMI values between undergraduates who were residing in their own homes, or hostels and boarding places.