Trends in Undernutrition among Macao Children and Adolescents Aged 7~18 Years: An Analysis from Four Successive Macau Govern-ment  Surveys from 2005 to 2020

Chunjing Tu; Xiaolong  Chen; Yibo  Gao; Qi  Pan; Lupei  Jiang; Yuyu  Li; Yanfeng  Zhang

doi:10.18502/ijph.v53i3.15145

Chunjing Tu School of Teacher (Physical) Education, Taizhou University, Taizhou, China
Xiaolong Chen School of Physical Education, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
Yibo Gao China Institute of Sport Science, Beijing, China
Qi Pan School of Physical Education, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
Lupei Jiang China Institute of Sport Science, Beijing, China
Yuyu Li School of Physical Education, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
Yanfeng Zhang China Institute of Sport Science, Beijing, China

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijph.v53i3.15145

Keywords: Undernutrition; Children and adolescents; China; Trends

Abstract

Background: We aimed to explore the epidemiological trends and characteristics of undernutrition among children and adolescents aged 7~18 years in Macao from 2005 to 2020 to provide insights into the improvement of nutritional status among the youth in Macao, China.

Methods: Based on the data collected from the Citizen Physical Fitness surveillance sessions in Macao in 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020, the prevalence of undernutrition among children and adolescents aged 7~18 years in Macao was calculated.

Result: In 2020, the prevalence of undernutrition among children and adolescents aged 7~18 years in Macao was 12.11%. Among them, the rates of stunting, moderate or severe wasting, and mild wasting were 0.63%, 5.25%, and 6.23%, respectively. The prevalence of undernutrition among boys (13.81%) was higher than that among girls (10.06%). Mild wasting was the main form of undernutrition among students. From 2005 to 2020, the prevalence of malnutrition showed a decreasing trend (P<0.05), but there was a rebound in 2020 from 2015, mainly because it may be caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The prevalence of undernutrition among children and adolescents in Macao was lower than that in Mainland China (P<0.01).

Conclusion: The detection rates of undernutrition showed a decreasing trend from 2005 to 2020. In the post-pandemic era, Macao should undertake more effective measures in areas such as promoting balanced nutritional intake, increasing physical activity levels, enhancing school physical education, and incorporating mental health education. These efforts are essential for further reducing the prevalence of undernutrition among children and adolescents.