Prevalence of poor body image and its correlation with self-esteem and depression in middle-aged women

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of poor body image and its influence on low self-esteem and depression in middle-aged women. Methods The study was a cross-sectional survey of 372 women using a predesigned online questionnaire. Main outcome measures were mean scores on the nine-point body image scale (BIS) and prevalence of poor body image (BIS ≥ 10). Significant sociodemographic, physical and mental health predictors of BIS ≥ 10 were established using logistic regression analysis. Correlation of body image with self-esteem, assessed by Rosenberg’s self-esteem scale, and depression, assessed by Beck’s Depression Inventory, was established using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and the odds ratios were determined using logistic regression analysis. Results The mean scores obtained for body image were 5.52 (standard deviation 4.82) and the prevalence of BIS ≥ 10 was 17.4%. Significant predictors of poor body image were education status (0.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.39–0.89), body mass index (2.26, 95% CI = 1.12–4.55), social support structure (0.35, 95% CI = 0.16–0.79), diagnosis of mental illness (3.74, 95% CI = 1.31–10.66) and perception of menopause (positive vs. negative: 0.20, 95% CI = 0.07–0.55). Body image scores correlated with self-esteem (r = −0.46; 95% CI = −0.54 to −0.38) and depression (r = 0.59; 95% CI = 0.52–0.65). BIS ≥ 10 significantly increased the odds of low self-esteem (5.71; 95% CI = 2.66–12.26) and depression (11.25; 95% CI = 4.9–27.7). Conclusions The prevalence of poor body image in middle-aged women was 17.4%. This strongly correlated with low self-esteem and depression. A lower education status, higher body mass index, a negative perception of menopause, poor social support structure and a history of mental health diagnosis increased the odds of poor body image prevalence in middle-aged women.