Anthropometric assessment among learning disability patients in Malaysia / Fara Shazwanie Omar Tarmizi

Overweight, obesity and health problems were serious cases especially among special population. There were very closely and have economic effects for the health care system. This problem was contained less especially in Malaysia as a result of certain factors, especially in terms of food intake and etc. Less information which is available that concerning about obesity-related problems among the intellectual disabilities. No published studies were found on intellectual disabilities at high risk for obese among children or adults in Malaysia. Besides, there were still discussing about the specific pattern for learning disabilities whether obese or non obese among children and adults. The aim of this study was to describe the anthropometric measures among learning disability patients and to correlate the anthropometric measures and biological age of the learning disability patients in Malaysia. This study was cross-sectional study which the information was collected by Bio impedance Analyzer (BIA). The data was collected among 40 learning disability patients (age 8 - 52 years). The weight and height was measured by weighing scale and measuring tape. The waist-to-hip ratio also has been collected. There was no statistically significant correlation between anthropometric measures and biological among learning disability patients in Malaysia. Based on the results, the findings suggest that the problem of obesity among children, adolescents and adults with intellectual disabilities should be considered a major public health concern that warrants further attention in health care systems. This can help the populations to avoid from high risk of health problems and to keep fit and healthy.