Abstract
ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the prevalence of Body Image distortion and dissatisfaction and evaluate the associated factors in incarcerated women in a closed regime. Methods Cross-sectional observational study, conducted with female inmates (n=107) in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Personal sociodemographic data were collected through an interview, and the height and weight were measuredto obtain the body mass index. Body image was assessed using a scale of silhouettes fi gures for Brazilian adults. Prevalence Ratios with their respective 95% Confi dence Intervals and Bland-Altman method were used in thestatistical analysis. Results A total of 83.3% of the participants were affected by body image distortion and 91.6% by body image dissatisfaction. More than a half (58.9%) wanted a lower Body Mass Index (9.01±5.25Kg/m2), however, 32.7% wanted to increase the body size (6.43±4.34Kg/m2). The sociodemographic characteristics, nutritional status (PR=0.99; 95%CI:0.89-1.11), and the time of imprisonment (PR=1.06; 95%CI:0.94-1.19) were not associated with Body Image dissatisfaction. No associations were observed between body image distortion and the time ofimprisonment (PR=1.17; 95%CI:0.96-1.42) or nutritional status (PR=1.10; 95%CI:0.89-1.36). Conclusion Most female inmates were dissatisfied with their bodies and distort their body image, indicating the need for these aspects to be included in the health promotion actions in the prison system.
Highlights
No associations were observed between body image distortion and the time of imprisonment (PR=1.17; 95%Confidence Intervals (CI):0.96-1.42) or nutritional status (PR=1.10; 95%CI:0.89-1.36)
Most female inmates were dissatisfied with their bodies and distort their body image, indicating the need for these aspects to be included in the health promotion actions in the prison system
Measurements of body weight were taken using a digital scale with precision of 100g (InBody® Model R20, Seul, Coreia) and stature using a portable stadiometer with precision of 0.1cm (Alturexata®, Minas Gerais, Brazil), in order to assess the Body Mass Index (BMI), categorizing the nutritional status as recommended internationally by the World Health Organization
Summary
Body Image (BI) is a multidimensional construct that involves mental representations of the body, including size, shape, feelings, cognition and behavior [1], and researchers keep seeking to understand what BI represents and the magnitude of its effects on the behavior of individuals [2].The BI perception can be affected by both intrinsic factors and environmental factors, especially in women [3,4], in which the desire to meet standards can trigger health problems, such as depressive states, self-image and self-esteem disorders, anxiety and abusive use of licit drugs [1].The construction of subjectivity as to what is a desirable body begins in childhood and is consolidated throughout life, i.e., BI is developed and regenerates, being constantly renewed [1,5]. The BI perception can be affected by both intrinsic factors and environmental factors, especially in women [3,4], in which the desire to meet standards can trigger health problems, such as depressive states, self-image and self-esteem disorders, anxiety and abusive use of licit drugs [1]. Imprisonment causes suffering, which is intensified by the degrading conditions of detention, overcrowding and the precarious installations [7]. It is important, to consider the “life that comes to pass within the walls of the system”, seeking to understand the cultural references that circulate in this space, how the subjects signify things that occur there, and the rules which interfere with values and behaviors of confined individuals [8]. According to Verdi et al [8], imprisoned
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