Abstract

MARTINS, Cilene Rebolho  and  PETROSKI, Edio Luiz. Dissatisfaction with body image among female adolescents in a small Brazilian town: prevalence and correlates. Motri. [online]. 2015, vol.11, n.2, pp.94-106. ISSN 1646-107X.  https://doi.org/10.6063/motricidade.3670.

This study was designed to identify the prevalence of dissatisfaction with body image and factors associated with it among adolescents from a small town in Brazil. A total of 144 female students (nine to 20 years old) from the town of São Bonifácio, SC, took part. Data were collected on the variables age, location of residence, monthly family income and time spent watching TV on weekdays and at the weekend. The BSQ and EAT-26 were used to assess body image and risk of eating disorders. Body fat percentages were calculated from skin fold measurements. Sexual maturity stages were classified on the basis of pubic hair and breast development and menarche. Logistic regression analysis was used to treat data (p < 0.05). The prevalence of dissatisfaction with body image was 26.4%. Adolescent females at risk of eating disorders were 7.15 times more likely to be dissatisfied (RC = 7.15; 95%CI = 2.67-19.17; p = 0.0001). These results highlight the importance of planning and implementing strategies within schools designed to promote greater body satisfaction among female adolescents, in order to prevent eating disorders in this population.

Keywords : Body image; Anorexia nervosa; Bulimia nervosa; Puberty; Body composition; Adolescent.

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