Factors associated with body image perception of adolescents

Association of body image distortion with smartphone dependency and usage time in adolescents: a cross-sectional Korean Youth Study

BACKGROUND

Adolescent dependency on smartphones is the highest among all age groups. Adolescents can be influenced to evaluate their body image by popular ideals about beautiful bodies via smartphone content, which can cause body image distortion. This study aimed to examine the association between body image distortion and smartphone dependency and the duration of smartphone usage among Korean adolescents.

METHODS

This study used data from the 16th Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey (2020), and included 42,981 participants, who were grouped according to self-reported duration of smartphone usage and smartphone dependency, as measured by a questionnaire. Body image distortion is defined as an exaggerated subjective body image compared to the actual body image. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression was used to determine the odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of body image distortion on smartphone dependency and usage time after adjusting for various factors related to body image distortion.

RESULTS

Among the 42,981 participants, both moderate and high levels of smartphone dependency were associated with body image distortion in boys (moderate: adjusted OR [aOR], 1.11; 95% CI, 1.01-1.22; high: aOR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.05-1.32) and girls (moderate: aOR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.05-1.23; high: aOR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.18-1.42) compared to the low-level dependency group. However, no significant association was found between smartphone usage duration and body image distortion.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrated that moderate to high levels of smartphone dependency are associated with body image distortion in adolescents. Therefore, it is necessary to establish strategies for checking and managing adolescents' smartphone dependence.

Prevalence of body image dissatisfaction and associated factors among high school adolescent in Hawassa city, Ethiopia

Background

Adolescence is a period in which individuals are more concerned with their body image. However, little is known about the prevalence of body image dissatisfaction and its associated factors. Thus, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of body image dissatisfaction and associated factors among high school adolescents in Hawassa city in 2023.

Methods

A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 421 participants from April 30 to May 30, 2023, in Hawassa City. A stratified sampling technique was employed to select the participants. A structured, self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Anthropometric measurements of body mass and stature were taken. A logistic regression model was fitted and used to identify the factors associated with body image dissatisfaction, and P < 0.05 indicated statistical significance.

Results

The prevalence of body image dissatisfaction was 18.5 % [95 % CI = 14.8-22.2 %]. Being overweight/obese [Adjusted Odds Ratio(AOR) = 7.8, 95 % CI = 2.58-23.83], engaging in a small amount of exercise [AOR = 3.66, 95 % CI = 1.34-10.0], having moderate depression [AOR = 3.6, 95 % CI = 1.25-10.40], having severe depression [AOR = 6.8, 95 % CI = 1.94-24.22], late age of adolescence [AOR = 1.9, 95 % CI = 1.07-3.39], and family pressure [AOR = 2.2, 95 % CI = 1.28-4.04] were associated factors.

Conclusion and recommendations

Body image dissatisfaction among adolescents in Hawassa City is prevalent, influenced by factors such as obesity, depression, limited physical activity, age, and family pressure. To address this issue, a multi-sectoral approach is necessary. The federal Ministry of Health should prioritize initiatives promoting healthy living, physical activity, and media awareness. The Public Health Authority should collaborate with families for healthier lifestyles, while schools and youth centers should implement educational programs to foster positive body image. Parents should model healthy body image behaviors and avoid negative comments. Comprehensive strategies are essential to address obesity, depression, and promote physical activity. This includes encouraging adolescents to engage in regular exercise and providing supportive family feedback.

The Relationship Between Body Composition, Physical Activity, Self-Esteem, and Body Image in Female and Male Adolescents

The elements of body composition and their correlation with physical activity, body image, and self-esteem are aspects that require in-depth studies. This link should be seen in the context of the percentage of adipose tissue, which can be modeled via physical activity. The objective of this study is to evaluate the relationships between the parameters that define body composition, self-esteem, body image, and physical activity according to gender. This study included 100 females and 100 males with an average age of 22 years. The evaluation included anthropometric parameters, body composition, self-esteem, physical activity index, and body image perception assessment. The results show that the males exhibited a higher percentage of exceeding the upper limit of normal and average weight; in contrast, there were two times more females exhibiting normal weight than those exceeding the upper limit. Therefore, obesity was higher among males. The average fitness score values were 69.07 for females and 76.53 for males, and the mean fitness was within normal limits. Regarding body image, according to the BSQ, we observed that both groups were not satisfied with and were concerned about their body shape. With respect to the Rosenberg self-esteem scale, the average score for females was 20.27, and for males, it was 19.60; the mean self-esteem value was 66% of the maximum value. In terms of the perceived ideal body size assessed with the Silhouette scale, most of the females were placed at level 3, and the males were placed at level 4. Regarding the physical activity index, females carried out on average 1.5 days of intense physical activity over 7 days, and males were involved in intense physical activity for 2 days. Conclusions: The degree of obesity and therefore the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome were higher in males than in females. Although males have a higher degree of obesity, self-esteem is quantified at a higher level of confidence.

Factors Influencing Adolescent Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Zero-Inflated Negative Binomial Regression Model

The current study used secondary data from the 17th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey conducted in 2021 to identify risk factors influencing the frequency with which adolescents in Korea experience generalized anxiety. Participants were 54,848 adolescents. Risk factors for generalized anxiety were analyzed using a zero-inflated negative binomial regression model. Of participants, 23.7% reported no generalized anxiety experiences. Risk factors identified in the count model were being female and having low household economic status as well as perceived stress, sadness, subjective sleep insufficiency, and loneliness. In the logit model, being female, in middle school, having middle and low household economic status, not living with family, having perceived stress, sadness, suicidal ideation, subjective sleep insufficiency, loneliness, and body image distortion were significant predictors of future anxiety among participants without anxiety. These results may be useful for planning nursing interventions to improve and prevent future health problems in adolescents. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 62(6), 46-55.].

Association between mukbang and cookbang viewing and body image perception and BMI in adolescents

BACKGROUND

Adolescence is a critical period for establishing healthy eating habits and weight management, essential for preventing obesity and promoting overall health. This study investigates the impact of mukbang and cookbang-popular online broadcasts in Korea that feature excessive consumption of food-on the dietary habits and body image perception of Korean adolescents. With digital media, especially platforms like YouTube, becoming an integral part of daily life, these broadcasts have the potential to significantly influence adolescent health behaviors.

METHODS

Employing data from the 18th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (2022), this descriptive survey research explores the relationship between watching mukbang and cookbang and various health-related factors among adolescents. The survey's comprehensive dataset provided a unique opportunity to examine this association in a population that is increasingly exposed to digital media content. The analysis focused on the frequency of watching mukbang and cookbang, their impact on eating habits, body mass index (BMI), body shape perception, and body image distortion among adolescents.

RESULTS

The results revealed a significant engagement with mukbang and cookbang among adolescents, with notable gender differences in viewing habits and effects. Increased frequency of viewing was associated with negative impacts on eating habits and body image perception. Furthermore, psychological factors such as stress levels and sleep quality emerged as significant predictors of the frequency of watching these broadcasts.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the need for further investigation into the causal relationships between mukbang and cookbang viewership and adolescent health outcomes. The findings suggest the importance of developing targeted interventions to mitigate the negative influences of such content on adolescents' eating habits and body perceptions. Given the widespread popularity of these broadcasts, it is crucial to address their potential health implications through public health strategies, educational content, and policy development aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles among adolescents.

Reflections of well-being: navigating body image, chronic energy deficiency, and nutritional intake among urban and rural adolescents

Background

Adolescent growth and development is a period of very specific nutritional problems. As a result of poor growth and development, 36.3% of adolescents in Indonesia are at risk of developing CED. The purpose of this study was to determine the description of body image, the incidence of Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED), and nutritional intake in adolescents in urban and rural areas.

Methods

This study used a descriptive quantitative design with a cross-sectional study conducted in Bandung and Sumedang on 387 adolescents aged 13-15 years. The instruments used in this study were body image questionnaire Figure Rating Scale (FRS) method, 2 × 24-h food recall, and anthropometry for Measuring mid upper arm circumference (MUAC).

Results

Results of this study showed that more than half of adolescents in urban (54.0%) and rural areas (61.7%) were at risk of CED, had negative body image perceptions in urban (69.1%) and rural areas (62.3%), and underconsumption of macronutrients in both urban and rural adolescents.

Conclusion

Most adolescents in urban and rural areas still consume less energy, carbohydrates, and protein. Perceived body image and nutrient intake contribute to the incidence of CED in adolescents.

Effectiveness of interventional package on body image perception and self-esteem among adolescents - A pilot study

Background of the Study

In adolescence various physical and psychological changes, impact their overall perception that leads to either satisfaction or dissatisfaction with body image. Adolescents can suffer from body image dissatisfaction. Counselling sessions, video and documentaries can be used to improve the body image concerns. So, this study aims to evaluate the impact of interventional package on the body image perception and self-esteem among adolescents.

Materials and Methods

The sampling technique used to enrol 65 adolescents was simple random. Body image was assessed in the form of affective and behavioural body image perception. Two different structured scales were used to assess affective and behavioural body image perception. Pre-test was conducted to assess the body image perception among adolescents; then, documentary was shown in the form of intervention 1 and the post-test 1 was taken, again booklet was distributed as intervention 2 and post-test -2 was taken.

Results

A statistically significant improvement in the satisfaction with weight, height, complexion, hair, teeth, buttocks, thigh and moustache, after the use of interventional package. In behavioural perception of body image, no significant association was found in pre-test, post-test 1 and 2, there is statistically significant improvement in self-esteem of adolescents, as P = 0.03.

Conclusion

Interventional package in the form of documentary and booklet is useful in improving body image perception among adolescents. Significant improvement was seen in perception related to certain body parts.

Sociodemographic factors associated with weight perception of adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To systematically assess the main sociodemographic factors associated with weight perception of adolescents.

METHODOLOGY

All studies related to adolescents' weight perception were retrieved from seven databases from January 2001 to July 2022. A total of 13 Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and keywords were used to identify qualified studies, and reference lists included in the retrieved studies were manually searched to identify potentially relevant publications. Two evaluators independently assessed the eligibility and extracted data of each study. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) risk of bias evaluation tool was used to evaluate the quality and bias risk of included studies. RevMan (version: 5.3) software was used to conduct heterogeneity test and meta-analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 12 studies, published between 2003 and 2020, were selected and included in the systematic review and meta-analysis, consisting of 325,367 adolescents from five countries. The risk of bias evaluation indicated that risk of bias was low in five studies and moderate in seven studies. The results of meta-analysis showed that there were no differences in the weight perception accuracy among adolescents under different gender (odds ratio [OR] = 1.00, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.88-1.15, p = 0.940), place of residence (OR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.83-1.16, p = 0.800), grade (OR = 1.73, 95% CI: 0.68-4.42, p = 0.250), and family economic level (OR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.86-1.02, p = 0.140). Egger's linear regression showed that there was no significant publication bias in the primary analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The current analysis indicates that gender, place of residence, grade, and family economic level were not identified as influencing factors for adolescents' weight perception accuracy. Due to the limitations of the review and included studies, more robust trials are warranted in different social and economic environments to confirm our findings.

Comparison of body size perception of young women in Korea and the United States

Body size perception among young women in Asian and Western countries is believed to be quite different, however, there are no confirming studies. We analyzed the data from young women aged between 20 and 40 who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2001-2018) of the United States (US) and Korea. US young women had higher rates of being overweight and obesity than Korean young women, and there was no significant change over 20 years. In both countries, the percentage of properly estimating one's own weight exceeded 70 percent and remained relatively steady. The percentage of overestimating one's own weight was only about 10 percent in Korea in 2001, but increased to 20 percent. In the case of the US, the percentage was about 15 percent in 2001-2002, but has since continued to decline. The percentage of underestimating one's own body weight was about 18 percent in Korea in 2001, but decreased to about 8 percent. In the case of the US, the percentage was very low at about 10 percent in 2001-2002, but gradually increased to about 18 percent in 2017-2018. In conclusion, young women in the US tend to underestimate their body size, and those in Korea tend to overestimate it.

Body Image Perception in High School Students: The Relationship with Gender, Weight Status, and Physical Activity

Body image perception includes body size assessment, body desirability estimation, and perceptions concerning one’s own body shape and size. Adolescence is a period of intense and prompt physical transformation, which changes the perception of one’s body. This represents a critical period for the development of body image. Therefore, the present cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate body image perception and investigate the relationships between it, weight status, sex, and physical activity in a sample of high school students living in Italy. General demographic information and details about physical activity were collected. Body image perception was measured with a body silhouette and two indexes were calculated: the FID (Feel minus Ideal Discrepancy) to evaluate the discrepancy between the perceived current figure and the ideal figure; and the FAI (Feel weight status minus Actual weight status Inconsistency) to observe improper perception of weight status. In addition, body shape concerns were evaluated with the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ), in which participants reported the frequency of experiencing negative thoughts about their body shape in the last four weeks. Two hundred and four students were included in the study (155 = female, mean age = 17.13 ± 1.70; 49 = male, mean age = 17.25 ± 1.69). Females felt more concerned about body shape than males (χ2 = 11.347, p = 0.001). Distinctions emerged in terms of body mass index, the scores of Feel minus Ideal Discrepancy (FID), Feel weight status minus Actual weight status Inconsistency (FAI), the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ), and of the silhouette mean comparisons due to sex, weight status, and PA interaction effects (p < 0.001). Additionally, 94% of the BSQ variability could be explained by sex, weight status, and PA. Although no direct effects were observed on body image perception, healthy habit promotion, such as physical activity, could positively affect adolescent lives.