Anthropometric differences and body composition among ethnic minorities in northern Vietnam

Abstract

Little is known about ethnic differences in body size and composition among minority groups in Vietnam. We used data from an ongoing study (PRECONCEPT) of women of reproductive age (WRA) in Thái Nguyên province, Vietnam to 1) compare selected anthropometric measures and body composition indices across ethnic groups; and 2) evaluate cutoff points for mid‐upper‐arm (MUAC) and calf circumference (CC) for screening undernutrition. A battery of anthropometric measurements (weight, height, MUAC, CC, triceps and subscapular skinfold thickness) was obtained for 4918 WRA. Body mass index (BMI), mid upper arm muscle (MUAMA) and fat area were calculated. The prevalence of underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m) and overweight (BMI >; 23 kg/m) were 32% and 5%, respectively. Mean (± SD) MUAC for the largest ethnic group, the Kinh (24.3 ± 2.1) was significantly lower than both Tay (24.6 ± 2.2) and San Chi (24.8 ± 2.2). Similar differences were seen for BMI (Kinh: 19.4 ±1.9; Tay :19.6 ±1.9, and San Chi:19.9 ± 2.0). The differences in BMI and MUAMA remained significant after adjusting for age, socioeconomic status, energy intakes, education and food insecurity. ROC analysis showed high predictive strength of MUAC and calf circumference in screening underweight women. Further studies are needed to explain differences in body composition among ethnic minority subpopulations.Funding: The Mathile Inst. and the Micronutrient Initiative