Is health behavior among university students determined by actual body shape or by body image? A European study

Work ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Maria Piedade Brandão ◽  
Annettte Quinto Romani ◽  
Frantitsek Sudzina ◽  
Inger Glavind Bo ◽  
Bent Egberg Mikkelsen

BACKGROUND: Appropriate body image self-perceptions provide a good help to increase the feeling of personal well-being, thus having an important impact on health. Universities, having an important role in shaping of the future workers, represent an important setting to approach health issues. OBJECTIVE: This study determined to what extent different types of students in higher education (four categories of students were created: “self-secure”, “perfect”, “destructive” and “apologetic”) are likely to adopt different health risk behaviors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study in a sample of students from five European Universities in the 2016/2017 academic year was conducted. Based on the combination of body image perception and body mass index, four types of students were identified: “self-secure” (overweight students with a good self-esteem); “perfect” (underweight students with a good self-esteem); “destructive” (overweight students with a poor self-esteem); “apologetic” (underweight students with a poor self-esteem). RESULTS: The study reveals that the defined types of students differed in terms of risk behavior. When the control was included, the “self-secure” student type had a reduced likelihood of being on a diet (22.3%) and physically active (17.8%) than other students (p <  0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this paper raise concerns about the future because the body dissatisfaction of the college student could be a big impact in long term whether at collective, personally or even professionally.

2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 301-317 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena Gatti ◽  
Chiara Ionio ◽  
Daniela Traficante ◽  
Emanuela Confalonieri

Puberty is a very important process for adolescents. Physiological changes and body modifications lead to great vulnerability. This vulnerability is connected to the adolescent’s perceptions of the uncertainty of outcomes due to the transformation of their infant body into an adult one. This cross-sectional study aims to better understand whether body image perception and satisfaction influence self-esteem in a sample of Italian male and female adolescents. A total of 242 adolescents (120 male and 122 female individuals) aged 11 to 17 years (M= 13.33;SD= 1.7) completed the study measures. Quantitative and qualitative instruments were used. In particular, adolescents completed self-report questionnaires to assess their pubertal status (Pubertal Developmental Scale, Peterson, Crockett, Richards, & Boxer, 1988), their body esteem (Body Esteem Scale, Mendelson, Mendelson, & White, 2001), their body image (Body Image Satisfaction Questionnaire, Rauste-von Wright, 1989), and their self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Rosenberg,1965). Adolescent were also invited to depict themselves to assess their body representations by completing the Drawing Me test (Confalonieri, 2011). Results from MANOVAs confirm that gender and age are two factors that influence body image perception and satisfaction. SEM analyses show that good self-esteem is reached through good body satisfaction following different trajectories in male and female individuals. Data from adolescents’ body representations obtained via drawings confirm that females are more concerned about their body changes and about the appearance of secondary sexual features than males. This research, stressing the influence of various individual factors and highlighting the psychological distress and dissatisfaction of adolescents, especially females, confirms the importance of studying this topic in order to generate preventive measures to help adolescents through this developmental task.


Author(s):  
Celenia Raquel Monteiro de Aguiar ◽  
Carlos Alberto Alves Dias Filho ◽  
Andressa Coelho Ferreira ◽  
Ilka Kassandra Pereira Belfort ◽  
Sally Cristina Moutinho Monteiro

Objective: To evaluate the body image of university students in the course of nutrition. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 181 students of both genders from the Nutrition Undergraduate of Maranhão, Brazil. The presence and degree of dissatisfaction with body shape were evaluated by Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ 34), another instrument used in this study was Body Figure Silhouettes (BFS). Results: The participants presented mean age of 23.1 (±5.2) years, majority women (89.5%). Most of the subjects were eutrophic (66.9%) according to BMI, and no image perception disorder according to BSQ34. According to the BSF, 56 students had the silhouette represented by figure 4, however, the figure most desired by 111 students was demonstrated by silhouette 3, (p-value 0.000). Demonstrating the desire for weight loss of the majority, despite being represented by a silhouette eutrophic. Conclusion: Most (66.9%) eutrophic, according to BMI and without image disturbances (54.7%) according to BSQ 34. However, there is a trend of overweight and obese individuals presenting with image disorders.


2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 411-417
Author(s):  
Radhika Hedaoo ◽  
SubbaRao M Gavaravarapu

Background: The mounting trends of beauty perceptions have contributed to distorted body image among adolescents. This demands understanding about current pointers of body image satisfaction to prevent eating disorders associated with mismanagement of weight in adolescents. Aim & Objective: The objectives of this cross-sectional study were to apprehend body image perception and dissatisfaction among adolescents (12-14years) across the genders and associate it with their actual BMI along with identifying the factors influencing body image perception. Settings and Design: A structured questionnaire was developed and administered on randomly selected 112 adolescents (68% boys & 34% girls, 12-14 years), mean age=12.8 ±0.45 from urban coeducational school of western India. Anthropometric measurements were taken with standardized tools and BMI z-scores were calculated. The actual and perceived weight was compared using paired t-test and descriptive statistics. Association between body image indicators, gender, and BMI were assessed using Chi-square test and One-way ANOVA. Factor analysis was done by Principal component analysis. Results: There was a significant difference in the perceived (M=2.31, SD=0.93) and actual BMI (M=1.96, SD=0.69), p=0.002. A significant association between gender and the influence of media idols, discrimination due to physical appearance and BMI was observed (p≤.0.005).   Self-perception and judgements of others, behaviors related with self-fixation, social influence and inappropriate dietary practices and comparison with models and actors were the emerging factors identified. Conclusion: The body image perception was distorted among adolescents of both sexes, with higher body image discontent shown by girls. The perceived body image, when compared with their BMI was found to be incongruent across sexes.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 205031212110519
Author(s):  
Sheyla D León-Paucar ◽  
Bella C Calderón-Olivos ◽  
Yaquelin E Calizaya-Milla ◽  
Jacksaint Saintila

Objective: The coronavirus disease 2019 affects the psychological well-being of populations. In the same way, it can be a potential threat to body image. The aim of the study was to explore associations between depressive symptoms, dietary intake, and body image during coronavirus disease 2019 quarantine. Methods: An online cross-sectional study was conducted in 589 Peruvian adults, 297 men (50.4%) and 292 women (49.6%). The mean age was 30.2 ± 9.4 years (range: 18–59 years). Participants completed three questionnaires, including a food frequency questionnaire, the Body Shape Questionnaire, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Moreover, sociodemographic data were collected. The data were analyzed using the statistical software IBM SPSS version 24, and the chi-square test was used. A significance level of 5% was considered. Results: A total of 37.7% and 43.6% of the women reported depressive symptoms and dissatisfaction with body image, respectively. Depressive symptoms were associated with dietary intake and dissatisfaction with body image (p < 0.05). Dissatisfaction with body image was associated with dietary intake (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Depressive symptomatology plays an important role in the dietary intake and body image of the study population. It is suggested to address these factors through the implementation of health campaign programs and personalized therapeutic interventions.


Author(s):  
Migle Baceviciene ◽  
Rasa Jankauskiene ◽  
Viren Swami

Research shows that nature exposure is directly and indirectly associated with more positive body image, which is an important facet of well-being more generally. In this study, we tested the mediating roles of physical activity in nature, perceived restoration in nature, autonomous motivation, and connectedness to nature in explaining the association between nature exposure and positive body image. An online sample of 924 Lithuanian adults (age M = 40.0 years, 73.6% women) completed a survey that included the Nature Exposure (NE) Scale, the Body Appreciation Scale-2, a measure of frequency of physical activity in nature (PAN), the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-2, the Restoration Outcome Scale, and the Connectedness to Nature Scale. Path analysis was conducted to examine hypothesized direct and indirect effects. Results showed that both greater NE (B = 0.564, SE = 0.057, p < 0.001) and autonomy in exercise motivation (B = 0.039, SE = 0.006, p < 0.001) were associated with more frequent PAN. Direct effects from exercise autonomy to nature restorativeness (B = 0.017, SE = 0.006, p = 0.004) and body appreciation (B = 0.041, SE = 0.004, p < 0.001) were observed. Associations were also found between connectedness to nature and body appreciation (B = 0.166, SE = 0.040, p < 0.001), nature restorativeness and body appreciation (B = 0.075, SE = 0.019, p < 0.001), and frequency of PAN and body appreciation (B = 0.064, SE = 0.019, p < 0.001). PAN mediated the relationship between NE and body appreciation. The final model was invariant across place of residence (urban vs. rural) and gender. Including self-determined physical activity in nature may increase the effectiveness of intervention programs aimed at promoting more positive body image.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (35) ◽  
pp. 119-124
Author(s):  
Ana Caroline de Sousa Almeida ◽  
Carolina Cunha de Oliveira ◽  
Andrea Costa Goes ◽  
Mylena Alves Santos ◽  
Rafaela de Siqueira Oliveira

Introduction: Currently, there is a greater concern of individuals with vision and imposition of perfect body. The change in the perception of the body image is motivated by social, environmental and, strongly, by the media, which imposes a beauty pattern associated with thinness or muscular bodies. A distorted view of the actual body image has repercussions on the levels of well-being and self-esteem, as well as in the decision-making related to nutrition and health in general. The objective of this study is to verify the anthropometric nutritional status and perception of the body image of users of primary care. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted with users of primary care in the city of Fátima-Bahia. Socio-demographic information, anthropometric evaluation (weight, height and waist circumference) and perception of ideal and real body image were collected. Results: 89 users participating in the HiperDia program participated in the study, the most were women (87.6%) and adults (67.4%). Regarding nutritional status, 61.8% were overweight and 79.8% had abdominal fat accumulation. Most of the individuals showed dissatisfaction due to overweight (78.7%) and 6.7% of dissatisfaction for thinness. Of the individuals with adequate nutritional status, 73.5% also had some type of body dissatisfaction (both for thinness or excess). Conclusion: The majority of subjects presented with overweight and body image dissatisfaction. It is essential to evaluate the body image of the individuals on the part of the health professionals, assisting the clinical practice and guaranteeing an integral attention to the individual.


2016 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 385 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leila A. Evangelista ◽  
Denise Aerts ◽  
Gehysa G. Alves ◽  
Lilian Palazzo ◽  
Sheila Câmara ◽  
...  

Introduction: In the adolescence period, an individual experiences biopsychosocial changes and dissatisfaction with body image is quite prevalent at this stage. Objective: To investigate the prevalence of body image dissatisfaction and its association with demographic and psychosocial factors, sexual maturity, nutritional condition and lifestyle. Method: Cross-sectional study with a sample representing 831 eighth grade students from Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil, stratified into clusters. The data were obtained by questi onnaires - the Body Shape Questionnaire and Global School-based Student Health Survey - and anthropometry. The associations of interest were tested in a multivariate analysis with Cox regression adjusted for cross-sectional studies. Results: The prevalence of body image dissatisfaction was 22 per cent. The outcome was signifi cantly more prevalent among girls (PR: 4.69; CI: 95%: 3.09 – 7.12), young Caucasians (PR: 1.32; CI: 95%: 1.02 – 1.72), those who used tobacco (RP: 1.53; CI: 95%: 1.12 – 2.09), who were overweight or obese (PR: 2.77; CI: 95%: 2.18 – 3.51), and who reported feelings of sadness (PR: 1.35; CI: 95%: 1.05 – 1.73) and loneliness (PR: 1.66; CI: 95%: 1.30 – 2.11). The students with lower weight were more satisfied with their image. Conclusion: The results point to the need for parents, educators and health professionals to act jointly in developing actions that reinforce the positive qualities of youth, especially in girls. Encouraging physical activity and healthy habits can promote overall health, improving satisfaction with body image.


Author(s):  
Iasmim Batista Correia ◽  
Nathalie De Almeida Silva ◽  
Paulo Granges e Silva ◽  
Tarciana Nobre de Menezes

Aging leads to psychological losses and various physical changes that, associated with body-stereotyped patterns imposed by society, can cause disturbances in the body image perception (BIP) in the elderly. The aim of this study was to evaluate BIP in older adults living in the city of Campina Grande / PB and its relationship with different anthropometric and body composition indicators. This cross-sectional study was carried out with older adults of both sexes enrolled in the Family Health Strategy of Campina Grande, PB. BIP was considered as a dependent variable and body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), triceps skinfold (TSF), and arm fat area (AFA) as independent variables. The association between BIP and anthropometric indicators was verified using the Pearson chi-square test (X²), simple and multiple logistic regression, with significance level of p <0.05. Overall, 420 older adults were interviewed (68.1% women), of whom 409 reported their actual body image perception. Regarding the perception of idealized body image, 11 individuals did not respond and 230 were satisfied, since 179 desired another silhouette. Individuals with BMI indicative of overweight / obesity were more likely of showing body image dissatisfaction compared to those with normal weight. Subjects with excessive TSF showed greater body image dissatisfaction in relation to those with normal weight. Women were more likely of showing body image dissatisfaction. Thus, it was observed that variables BMI, TSF and sex were independently associated with body image satisfaction.


2019 ◽  
Vol 53 ◽  
pp. 30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leonessa Boing ◽  
Gustavo Soares Pereira ◽  
Camila Da Cruz Ramos de Araújo ◽  
Fabiana Flores Sperandio ◽  
Monique Da Silva Gevaerd Loch ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the factors associated with the presence of depression symptoms in women after breast cancer. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with 181 women with breast cancer, aged 57.0 years (SD = 9.5), who were undergoing treatment or after treatment in the Oncology Research Center in Florianópolis, state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The questionnaire comprised items addressing general and health information, economic level, anthropometric measures, depression symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory), self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale), and body image (Body Image After Breast Cancer Questionnaire). Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis were performed by chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests to verify association, Mann-Whitney U test to compare the groups and Poisson regression to identify the prevalence ratio of the factors associated with presence of depression symptoms (p < 0.05). RESULTS: We found an association between the presence of depression symptoms and the group of younger women (aged 40–60 years), those who had another disease besides cancer, those who had mastectomy surgery, those who suffered from lymphedema, and those who presented low–medium self-esteem. Less educated women presented more depressive symptoms, as did women with worse body image on the subscales of limitations, transparency, and arm concerns. CONCLUSIONS: Age, educational attainment, diagnosis of other diseases, type of surgery, lymphedema, self-esteem, and body image were factors associated with the presence of depression symptoms in Brazilian women after breast cancer. Health professionals should be aware of these relationships and try to detect depression symptoms earlier and improve the care they provide to these women.


Author(s):  
Danielle Lemes Dutra ◽  
André Abrantes Rosique ◽  
Asaphe Lemes Dutra ◽  
Sarah Da Silva Candido ◽  
Cynthia Kallás Bachur

Stress is a general wear and tear of the body, being responsible for changes in the state of health and well-being of the individual. The present study had as objective apply an Inventory of Stress Symptoms among both medical and physiotherapy students, compare and identify the stage of stress they encounter. This is a descriptive and cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of students of the 4th year of both Medicine and Physiotherapy courses from Universidade de Franca- São Paulo, volunteers, regardless of sex or ethnicity. An inventory of Stress Symptoms I.S.S. Lipp to characterize the stress phase of students. A total of 70 students participated in the study, 25 of which were physiotherapists, 22 male and 48 female, 21.92 ± 1.57 years old, and 45 medical students, with a mean age of 24, 87 + 4.26 years. In both courses, the sample analyzed showed a predominance in the Resistance phase, corresponding to a score of 4.26 in relation to medical students and 1.57 in physiotherapy. Based on the data from the present study, it was possible to identify that the students of the health area are in a predominantly Exhaustion phase, according to the Lipp inventory. Avaliação da Fase de Estresse em Estudantes da Área da Saúde O estresse é causado pelas alterações psicofisiológicas que ocorrem quando o indivíduo é forçado a enfrentar situações que o irritem. O presente estudo teve como objetivo aplicar um Inventário de Sintomas de estresse entre estudantes de medicina e fisioterapia, comparar e identificar a fase de estresse que eles se encontram. Trata-se de um estudo de caráter descritivo e transversal. A amostra foi composta por estudantes do 4º ano do curso de Medicina e de Fisioterapia da Universidade de Franca- São Paulo, voluntários,sem distinção de sexo ou etnia. Foi aplicado um Inventário de Sintomas de estresse I.S.S. Lipp para caracterizar a fase do estresse dos estudantes. Participaram deste estudo70 estudantes, 25 do curso de Fisioterapia, com idade 21,92 + 1,57 anos e 45 estudantes do curso de medicina, com idade média de 24,87 + 4,26 anos. A amostra analisada apresenta, em ambos os cursos, uma predominância na fase de Resistência, correspondendo um escore de 4,26 em relação aos estudantes de Medicina e 1,57 aos de Fisioterapia. Com base nos resultados dos dados do presente estudo, foi possível identificar que os estudantes da área de saúde encontram-se em uma fase predominantemente de Exaustão segundo o inventário de Lipp.


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