Imagem corporal e fatores associados em meninas de escolas militares

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of body image (BI) dissatisfaction in female adolescents and its association with age range, nutritional status and physical activity practice. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 393 female adolescents (aged 14-18 years) studying in military schools of the city of Fortaleza, Ceara, in the period from August to November 2015. The figure rating scale by Stunkard was used for BI assessment. The nutritional status was evaluated according to the Body Mass Index (BMI) (BMI = weight/height2) and the practice of physical activity (yes or no) was self-reported. Descriptive analysis was initially conducted, in absolute (n) and relative (%) values, followed by the chi-square test, adopting p≤0.05. Results: A majority of the adolescents were 16-17 years old (52.7%, n=207), practiced physical activity (62.6%, n=246), adequate weight (63.4%, n=249) and were dissatisfied with their BI (65.4%, n=257). Age range and physical activity were associated with BI (p=0.04 and p=0.02, respectively). There was no association between nutritional status and BI in this sample. Conclusion: The results indicate a high prevalence of body image dissatisfaction, regardless of age group and physical activity practice.