Prevalence of Inappropriate Use of Health Products for Weight Control among Female Teenagers in Saraburi Province and Factors Affecting It

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of inappropriate use of health products for weight control among female teenagers in Saraburi and factors affecting this behavior. Method: Design of the study was a cross-sectional descriptive study. The subjects were 637 female teenagers in high schools at grades 10-12 or in vocational schools at levels 1-3 who were students in the classrooms selected from all of the classrooms at these levels in Saraburi using systematic random sampling methods. The researcher collected the data using a questionnaire in every available student in the selected classrooms. Results: Fifty-seven subjects (8.95%) inappropriately used health products to control weight. The most commonly used product was dietary supplement (19 subjects or 33.33% of those with inappropriate use), followed by self-medication of drugs for weight control (15 subjects or 26.32%) and herbal tea for weight control (11 subjects or 19.30%). The majority of female youths received the information on these products from facebook (23 subjects or 40.35% of users of these products), followed by friends (17 subjects or 29.82%) and instagram (16 subjects or 28.07%). No subjects had heard about the products from radio. Most of female teenagers had no knowledge on sibutramine. In the protection of consumer right, 196 subjects (30.97%) were uncertain whether they would file complaints when purchased products did not work for weight control. While 32.50% said they would not file or definitely not file the complaints, and another 36.50% said they would file or definitely file the complaints. However, if the purchased products caused adverse effects needing medical cares, 67.97% of subjects reported that they would have file, or definitely filed the complaints. Educational level, self-perception of body shape and satisfaction to one own body were related to inappropriate use of weight control methods.  Knowledge on health products and body mass index showed no correlation with to inappropriate use of weight control methods. Conclusion: Relevant agencies should inculcate value and self-identity on body images in among female teenagers. Regulatory agencies both those in charge of health products and those supervising online medias should strictly enforce the law.