Sociocultural attitudes toward appearance and body shape dissatisfaction in adolescent Egyptian females: association and moderators.

Abstract

Body image dissatisfaction is considered a predicting and maintaining factor of a variety of prevalent health problems. This study aimed to assess the influences of sociocultural factors and body mass index (BMI) on body dissatisfaction among university female students. This is a cross-sectional study. It included 1408 adolescent Egyptian females chosen randomly from Minia University students who answered the Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire (SATAQ-4), Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) and The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Questionnaire in the period from June to July, 2018. In addition, their BMI was measured. Around one third of the students had major concerns about their body shape. BMI was the strongest predictor for dissatisfaction with body image (Standardized β = 0.31; p-value: <0.00018). Both total and pressure subscales scores of SATAQ-4 were also significant explanatory variables. Pressures from the family were a strong predictor among urban students, peer pressures among rural students, and both family and peer pressures among students with low self-esteem. This study supported the associations of BMI and sociocultural influences with body image. Residence and self-esteem modified the level of sociocultural influences. Family literacy training and social support for students with low self-esteem are suggested preventive tools of eating and body image disturbances.