Indian Girls Research Articles

Data-driven healthcare indicators via precision gaming: With application to India

Abstract Precision healthcare is an emerging field of science that utilizes an individual’s health information, context, and genetics to provide more personalized diagnostics and treatments. In this manuscript, we leverage that concept and present a group of machine learning models for precision gaming. These predictive models guide adolescents through best practices related to their health. The use case deployed is for girls in India through a mobile application released in three different Indian states. To evaluate the usability of the models, experiments are designed and data (demographic, behavioral, and health-related) are collected. The experimental results are presented and discussed.

Child trafficking and sexual exploitation of girls in India: A reflection on Odisha and West Bengal

Child trafficking and sexual exploitation of girls in India: A reflection on Odisha and West Bengal

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Menstrual Hygiene Management Among Adolescent Schoolgirls (10-19 Years) in the Saurashtra Region, Gujarat.

Background Menstrual health management proves pivotal for the adoption of hygienic practices and the embracement of womanhood from the onset of menarche. Menstrual hygiene is pivotal yet under-addressed among adolescent girls in India. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding menstrual hygiene and influencing factors. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted among 361 adolescent schoolgirls aged 10-19 years in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat using a pretested questionnaire. Multistage sampling was used. In the first stage, six schools (three rural and three urban) were selected through random sampling. In the second stage, all adolescent girls aged 10-19 years in the selected schools who had attained menarche were invited to participate. Those who provided written assent were included in the study. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and logistic regression. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results Knowledge about menstruation was evenly distributed as good (47.65%) and poor (52.35%). Most relied on mothers for information and considered menstruation a normal phenomenon. Attitudes reflected complex cultural perceptions. The use of sanitary pads was high (96.12%), although 39.89% used reused absorbents. Multivariate analysis revealed age 16-19 years (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.08, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.14-3.81), higher parental education, pit latrine usage (AOR = 6.7, 95% CI = 2.97-15.15), and knowledge about menstruation (AOR = 8.21, 95% CI = 4.56-14.78) as positive predictors of good menstrual practices. Conclusions Despite the widespread use of sanitary pads, the persisting knowledge gap and sociocultural influences lead to unhygienic practices. Improving awareness and attitudes through educational interventions among adolescent girls and mothers, in particular, addressing cultural taboos through the engagement of all stakeholders, and improving sanitation infrastructure in schools are imperative.

A cognitive dissonance body image intervention ‘Free Being Me’ delivered by guide leaders to adolescent girl guides in India: A pilot and acceptability trial

This pilot study assessed the acceptability and pre-post intervention effects of a cognitive dissonance-based body image intervention, Free Being Me, delivered by Guide leaders to adolescent girls in India. Girls aged 11–14 years (Mage = 12.6, N = 117), who were members of the national scouting and guiding association of India, received the intervention across five weekly 1-hour group sessions. The primary outcome (body esteem) and secondary outcomes (self-esteem, internalisation of appearance ideals, negative and positive affect, and life disengagement) were measured pre-intervention and immediately post-intervention. The intervention was acceptable. Adolescent girls reported high levels of comfort (89%), enjoyment (90%), and perceived importance (92%) with suggestions for improvement including more interactive activities. Facilitator adherence and competence delivering Free Being Me was rated good. Significant within-groups pre-post intervention improvements in body esteem (Cohen’s d = 0.28) and reductions in internalisation of appearance ideals (Cohen’s d = 0.49) were identified. No changes to self-esteem, negative or positive affect, or life disengagement were observed. This study suggests that Free Being Me is acceptable for community-based delivery and Guide leader format with promising pre-post intervention effects. Going forward, a randomised controlled trial is necessary to make confident interpretations on the effectiveness of Free Being Me.

“#HANDSOFFMYHIJAB”

Abstract We examine the emerging meanings of hijab practice as feminist strategy, and as a symbol of visibility for young Muslim women and girls in India. Through digital ethnography based on Instagram pages of selected retailers of hijabs, we explore the possibility of hijab as a costume of insubordination, and Islamic fashion as a critical practice against the backdrop of the 2022 Karnataka hijab row. We employ an analysis of Instagram posts to mark the intersecting points of faith, fashion media, and market in framing aesthetics for clothing practices among young Indian Muslim women. We also explore new contours of feminist assertions in the Muslim community, and how the digitally mediated visibility of Muslim women and girls contests the notion of Islamic fashion as oxymoronic.

Longitudinal assessment of auxological parameters, adult height outcome and its determinants in leuprolide-treated Indian girls with idiopathic central precocious puberty.

To assess auxological parameters, adult height outcome and its determinants in Indian girls with idiopathic central precocious puberty (iCPP) treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues (GnRHa). Retrospective study. Inclusion: data on girls with iCPP from initiation to stopping GnRHa (n=179). Exclusion: boys, peripheral, organic central precocity. Mean age of starting GnRHa: 8.2± 1.1 years, duration: 2.8± 1.2 years. 11.7 % had attained menarche at first presentation. The difference between bone (BA) and chronological (CA) ages reduced significantly from 2.6± 0.9 years (onset) to 1.6± 0.8 years (cessation). Weight, BMI Z-scores increased (p<0.01), height Z-scores decreased (0.8 vs. 0.6; p<0.01), predicted adult height (PAH) and Z-scores improved by 3.5 cm, 0.5 SDS following treatment (p<0.01). Overweight/obese girls (vs. normal BMI) were taller, with more advanced BA at starting (height Z-score: 0.7 vs. 1.0, BA-CA: 2.2 vs. 2.9 years), stopping (height Z-score: 0.5 vs. 0.9, BA-CA: 1.4 vs. 1.9 years) treatment, but showed no difference in PAH at starting, stopping treatment. Adult height data (n=58) revealed 1.9 cm gain above target height. Adult height Z-scores significantly exceeded target height Z-scores (p<0.01). Mean adult height (157.1± 5.8 cm) crossed PAH at starting treatment (155.9± 6.4 cm) but remained 1.6 cm lesser than PAH at cessation. Adult weight, BMI Z-scores (-0.2± 1.3,-0.1± 1.2) were significantly lower (p<0.01) than those at stopping GnRHa. Height gain adjusted for age at starting GnRHa correlated negatively with height, weight, BMI, Tanner-staging, BA, FSH, Estradiol at treatment onset, BA at cessation, and correlated positively with treatment duration. GnRHa treatment in Indian girls with iCPP resulted in improved PAH, decelerated bone age advancement and growth velocity. Most girls achieved adult height within target range, surpassing PAH at treatment initiation. Lesser anthropometric, sexual, skeletal maturity, lower baseline FSH, estradiol, longer treatment duration, less advanced BA at stopping GnRHa may translate into better adult height outcomes.

Trembling: The winds and I

This is a text based on a keynote address that I gave at the IDIERI, 2022 conference in Warwick. The theme of IDIERI, 2022 was “Navigating mess and complexity in uncertain times.” It is particularly relevant to this issue because the project described in this keynote emerges from, and is embedded in, our on-going work at Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF) and addresses Sustainable Development Goals 1, 4, 5, 10 and 13. The project is about teenage girls in Lucknow, India. It includes critical dialogues, poetry and drama, and culminates in a collectively curated script and performance. As girls in India, it reveals their fears and concerns about their current lives and their view of their future . Their embodied voices and poems show us what their lives are like and how they feel about the uncertainties shaped by their experience. Strict patriarchal social norms leave them feeling insecure, unsafe and unfree at home and in their immediate environment. It emerged that while they have a caring, connected relationship with nature, the climate crisis seems too distant. Their concerns about securing their present lives are more immediate.

Creating a Smart Safety Device for Women using IoT

Would it be moral if I said that even in today's 2020, women in our society cannot live independently? Every day there is a lot of news of physical violence, rape and violence against women, and this number is increasing, especially in big cities. The presence of CCTV helped to some extent but the suspect could not be identified at the time of the attack. The aim of this article is to enable women to use technology to become self-sufficient, thereby reducing crimes against women and girls in India. The application proposal reveals a practical, effective and portable product that can help women live safe, independent lives. The goal of the Internet of Things is to integrate everything we have created and implemented with SIM 800 GSM modules, force sensitive resistors, impact sensors, Bluetooth modules, LCDs, resistors, transistors, diodes, LEDs, Arduino UNO, buzzer, etc., PCB, breadboard, transformer, switch, Arduino compiler and Neo6mv2 GPS module. The proposed system has dual security where a sick woman can seek help and share her location through the emergency number. It can activate the system in three different modes depending on the situation required, and sometimes it seems to appear at strange or bad times. The victim can activate the device using the alarm button or Bluetooth module. The internal heart rate sensor, GPS module and GSM module will be automatically activated when the device is turned on. The device will constantly beep so neighbors know what's going on, police said. The device is equipped with a force-sensitive resistor to protect the device from any external force during any misbehavior or misuse. In the age of pepper spray and smart bracelets, such tools have become powerful and effective in separating women's lives from bad behavior

Etiology of Mild and Moderate Anaemia Among Rural Adolescent Girls in India.

A cluster randomized control trial study was conducted in Ballabgarh block of Faridabad District, Haryana, India. Baseline data of a total of 198 non-anemic and 202 anemic adolescent girls (12-19 years) was analyzed for hemoglobin and serum level of hepcidin, ferritin, folate acid, soluble transferrin receptor, vitamin B12 and CRP. Deficiency of iron (p < 0.001), folate (p < 0.01) and their mixed deficiency (p < 0.001) significantly increased with increasing severity of anaemia and contributed to 48.7% mild anaemia and 66.9% moderate anaemia. Anaemia of inflammation contributed to 16.2% of mild anaemia and 11.7% of moderate anaemia. More than one third of mild anaemia is caused by other causes. Current iron and folic acid program can alleviate around more than 2/3rd moderate anaemia and aroundhalf of mild anaemia among adolescent girls. Unknown causes of anaemia need further investigation.

Is parental engagement associated with subsequent delayed marriage and marital choices of adolescent girls? Evidence from the Understanding the Lives of Adolescents and Young Adults (UDAYA) survey in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, India

ObjectiveThis study examines the association between parental engagement and subsequent delayed marriage of adolescent girls and, secondarily, to assess whether parental engagement is positively associated with girls’ involvement in marital decision-making regarding husband selection. MethodsThe study used longitudinal survey data from the Understanding the Lives of Adolescents and Young Adults (UDAYA) in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, India. We analysed 6168 unmarried adolescent girls aged 15–19 years at wave 1 (2015–16) who were interviewed in wave 2 (2018–19). Our outcomes were delayed marriage of girls (unmarried vs. married at 20–22 vs. married at 18–19 vs. married at <18) and, among those married at <18 years, girls’ involvement in husband selection (alone vs. with parents vs. not involved). Parental discussion around school performance, friendships, menstruation, pregnancy, free time, and personal issues were the exposure variables. We applied unadjusted and adjusted multinomial regression models to assess associations between our exposure variables and each outcome variable. ResultsFrom wave 1 to wave 2, 1551 girls (31.2%) married; 567 girls (12.5%) married as minors (<18 years). We found that parental discussion around school performance (relative risk ratio [RRR]: 1.33), friendship (RRR: 1.37) and personal matters (RRR: 1.29) were positively associated with remaining unmarried relative to early marriage of girls. However, discussion with parents about menstruation was negatively associated with marriage at 20–22 (RRR: 0.67) and remaining unmarried (RRR: 0.80), compared to early marriage. Discussing school performance was negatively associated with marriage at 18–19 (RRR: 0.62) and at 20–22 (RRR: 0.50), relative to early marriage. Discussing personal issues with parents was positively associated with joint parent-girl decision-making regarding husband selection, relative to parents alone selecting the husband (RRR: 1.43). ConclusionsParental engagement on school performance, friendship, and personal issues in early adolescence may help delay marriage and support marital choice for girls in India.

Prevalence and predictors of iron deficiency anaemia in adolescent girls in India

Background: In India, iron deficiency anaemia is highly prevalent, particularly among women of reproductive age group. Following early childhood, during adolescence, the risk of iron deficiency and anaemia reappears for both boys and girls, but remains more susceptible to girls because of menstrual loss. The aim of this study was to find the prevalence and predictors of iron deficiency anaemia in adolescent girls in India. Methods: This study was a descriptive form of review of literature on data from comprehensive national nutrition survey (CNNS 2016-2018). CNNS was conducted to collect data on the nutritional status of Indian children from 0-19 years of age. The data collection period was from 26 February 2016 to 24 October 2018 and data was collected using individual and household questionnaires. Results: In the study, prevalence of various levels of anaemia (mild, moderate and severe) was higher in adolescent girls as compared to adolescent boys. Adolescent girls had 31.3% iron deficiency whereas adolescent boys had 11.5% iron deficiency. Anaemia prevalence was also higher in the age group 15-19 years as compared to 10-14 years. Conclusions: It was concluded that iron deficiency anaemia was more prevalent in adolescent girls than boys. Inadequate intake of iron rich foods and vitamin C, less knowledge about anaemia, low socio economic conditions along with poor hygiene and sanitation practices are the major factors that contribute to iron deficiency anaemia.

Spatiotemporal change in socioeconomic inequality in hygienic menstrual product use among adolescent girls in India during 2015–2019

BackgroundThe use of hygienic products, such as sanitary napkins, tampons, and menstrual cups, to absorb menstrual blood is vital for the health and well-being of adolescent girls in India. However, the degree of inequity in the use of such products among this subpopulation remains inadequately explored. To fill this critical knowledge gap, this study aims to investigate the spatiotemporal dynamics of hygienic product use among adolescent girls in India from 2015 to 2020.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, we analyzed data from 117,749 to 114,839 adolescent girls aged 15–19, obtained from two consecutive rounds of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) conducted in India during 2015-16 and 2019-21. Our approach involved utilizing Erreygers’ Concentration Index (ECI) and Concentration Curve to quantitatively assess and visually represent socioeconomic inequality in hygienic product usage. Additionally, we investigated the spatiotemporal variation in this inequality over the study period and decomposed the ECI to identify the key contributing factors.ResultsThe findings reveal that hygienic product usage among adolescent girls in India has increased by 13 percentage points (PP), from 37% in 2015-16 to 50% in 2019-21. This increase is also visible across all household wealth quintiles. However, the bottom quintiles experienced a greater rise (+ 15 to 16 PP) than the top quintile (+ 8 PP). During the study period, the ECI reduced marginally, from 0.48 in 2015-16 to 0.43 in 2019-21. However, the extent of this reduction varied across different states. The greatest reduction in ECI was recorded in Punjab (-0.23 points), Telangana (-0.16 points), and West Bengal (-0.14 points). In contrast, there were a number of states with high socioeconomic inequality (ECI > 0.30) in 2015-16, where inequality reduction was minimal (< 0.05 points) over the study period. This included more developed states of Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Gujarat and relatively less developed states of Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Assam. Some states, such as Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, recorded an increase in socioeconomic inequality over the study period, with ECI rising to 0.31 and 0.46 (highest in the country) in 2019-21. The decomposition analysis revealed that the inequality in using hygienic products was primarily explained by place of residence, exposure to mass-media, education, and region of residence.ConclusionsThe findings suggest the need for targeted policies to reduce existing socioeconomic inequality in the usage of hygienic products among adolescent girls in India. Specifically, interventions should target regions with low use of hygienic products, economically disadvantaged groups, and poor and vulnerable populations. State-specific policies and programs are also necessary to address the disparities in socioeconomic inequality. Additionally, efforts to reduce inequality should address the underlying factors contributing to inequality.

A Prospective Study of the Age at Menarche in North Indian Girls, Its Association With the Tanner Stage, and the Secular Trend.

Background Menarche is an important event in a female's reproductive health. However, the age at menarche is variable and has implications on the future health of the girl. The purpose of this study was to estimate the mean age at menarche of North Indian adolescent girls and its association with the Tanner stageand to study the trend of menarcheal age in India in the 21st century. Materials & methods A longitudinal descriptive study was conducted on 470 healthy girls aged nine to 16 years in expectant menarche (Tanner stage II). They were followed for six months to check for the attainment of menarche. Those who achieved menarche were grouped in Group I and the rest in Group II. The data were analyzed using the independent t-test. Results Menarche was achieved by 263 girls in the six-month follow-up period. The mean (SD) age of menarche was 13.13 (1.23) years. Group I girls were mostly in Tanner stage IV and above. Group II girls had a mean (SD) age of 11.53 (1.1) years and were mostly in Tanner stage III or below. The estimated decline in the age of menarche in the 21st century was about 0.41 years per decade. Conclusion The girls who achieved menarche had a significantly higher age and Tanner stage of sexual maturity than girls who did not achieve menarche in the study period. Tanner stage is a better measure to estimate the pubertal onset than age. The studies on the age of menarche in the current century reveal that the declining trend in the menarcheal age is continuing in India.

A study on prevalence and risk factors of depression among adolescent girls studying in government and private schools-A comparative study.

The prevalence of depression among school-going adolescent girls in India is about 40%. Adolescent girls attending private and government-run schools in South India have vastly different sociodemographic backgrounds and school environments. Assessing the associated risk factors for depression will help in designing appropriate preventive strategies. To evaluate the prevalence of depression among school-going adolescent girls and the associated risk factors among government and private school students. The cross-sectional comparative study was conducted in two private and two government-run schools in Tamil Nadu. A semi-structured questionnaire and 11-item Kutcher Adolescent Depression Scale were administered to female students belonging to grades eight, nine, and ten. Differences in the prevalence of depression and the familial, social, and behavioral risk factors between private and government school students were measured and analyzed. The prevalence of depression among our study population is 23.8%. An adolescent girl studying in a private school has a 4.67 times higher chance of being depressed as compared to her counterpart in a government school. Stress due to higher academic expectations, peer pressure, disagreement with friends, excess smartphone usage, and family discord are associated factors in private school students, and family discord and chronic illness among family members were associated risk factors for depression in government school students. There is a wide disparity in the prevalence of depression and associated factors among private and government school-going adolescent girls. The intervention program for depression has to be addressed differently according to the type of school.

“Health Benefits of Beetroot Juice” - A Review

A major problem for adolescent girls is malnutrition and anaemia. Inadequate nutrition during adolescence has the potential to have a serious negative influence on the reproductive years and beyond. The likelihood that Indian girls would acquire anaemia is doubled since they typically marry and have children before their growth spurt is complete (Chatterjee, 2008). Because of its high nitrate concentration and beta carotene content (19690 mcg/100g), beetroot juice with jaggery aids in the mobilisation of stored iron and increases haemoglobin levels in anaemic people. With its potential to stabilise blood pressure, beetroot juice is used to treat anxiety. In persons with diabetes, it is believed to improve blood flow, lower blood pressure, and improve athletic performance. Because beetroot juice has a diuretic effect and is occasionally combined with Amla juice, eating beets is recommended in cases of gonorrhoea. Heart disease, diabetes, and obesity are all decreased by beetroot juice. Jaggery's high iron and folate content assists adolescent girls with a number of menstruation issues, including easing stomach pain during periods and preventing anaemia by maintaining a proper volume of blood cells. Increased blood counts, better circulation, and a rise in the capacity of erythrocytes to carry oxygen are all results of beetroot juice's assistance in the absorption of iron.

Level of Self-Objectification among Adolescent Girls from Co-educational Schools and All-Girls Schools: A Comparative Study.

Indian females have been objectified since time immemorial. The ancient Indian texts and architecture have numerous instances of sexual objectification of females. In the present time, self-objectification in girls is evident from the increasing popularity of apps like Photoshop, the rise in the makeup industry, plastic and cosmetic surgeries, and so on. This is especially relevant for females across the globe and leads to huge negative effects on women's identities. The aim of the present study is to assess and compare the levels of body surveillance (self-objectification), body shaming, and control beliefs in adolescent girls from co-educational schools and all-girls schools. Four hundred adolescent girls from Convent schools in different cities in Uttar Pradesh were included in the study using purposive (homogeneous) sampling based on the inclusion criteria. The Objectified Body Consciousness Scale (OBCS) was used to assess body surveillance (self-objectification), body shaming, and control beliefs. The results of the study revealed that the level of body surveillance (self-objectification) was significantly high among Indian adolescent girls. It was found that all-girls schools had a higher level of body surveillance (self-objectification), body shaming, and control beliefs as compared to adolescent girls from co-educational schools. It can be concluded that the phenomenon of self-objectification has numerous implications for the physical and mental well-being of girls, particularly during their formative years. Healthy behaviors and positive thoughts are the best ways to respect and honor one's body. The research suggests the need for meditation, awareness workshops, and school-level counseling for adolescent girls, especially in all-girls schools.

Role of Parenting in Anorexic Vulnerability among Adolescents in Indian Scenario

Purpose: The present research article explores the challenges faced by parents in today's generation regarding the practice of parenting and its influence on the moral development of children during early childhood. However, with the advent of globalization and societal transformations, modern families are experiencing shifts that result in new parents struggling to find adequate time to spend with their children. This scenario has led to the emergence of various behavioral and psychological issues among today's generation, with vulnerability to anorexia nervosa being one of the notable abnormalities. This article aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the impact of parenting practices on moral development while considering the challenges faced by contemporary parents in allocating sufficient time to their children. Methodology Adopted: This article has followed narrative review format to know the subject matter in detail. This review attempts to do an analysis on the role of parenting in anorexic vulnerability among adolescents and the different socio-familial factors that contributes in the development of the disorder. The data is enumerated through electronic search and since the literature on this area is rare in Indian context, all types of research studies have been included. The electronic search included SCOPUS, PsycINFO, Google Scholar, and MEDLINE. Findings: Based on the theoretical framework adopted for the study, it was found that there is a remarkable influence of parental styles and parental bonding on the behavioural issues of adolescents. It was also much evident that Parenting and familial factors have a great impact on the anorexic vulnerability of Indian adolescent girls. Originality/ Value: A new understanding can be built up among Indian parents regarding the behavioural and emotional issues of adolescents with regard to parenting style and parenting attachment patterns. Paper Type: Narrative Review Format

Quest for Feminine and Cultural Identity by Contemporary Indian Adolescent Girls in the Young Adult Literary Works of Metali Perkins

Purpose: The goal of this review paper is to draw attention to the multiple difficulties that modern Indian adolescent girls encounter in their quest for personal and cultural identity in an intercultural and globally connected environment. This study highlights the current social and cultural challenges the adolescent Indian females must overcome in order to pursue and realise their ambitions. This study aims to examine how these issues are handled in the chosen books of Mitali Perkins. Design/Methodology/Approach: The current study has a qualitative tone and relies more on reasoning than a survey. The masterwork by Mitali Perkin, "You Bring the Distant Near," served as the research's primary source. Secondary sources included the internet and a few particular articles. Most of the research journals are used from Research Gate, Google Scholar, Academia, SSRN, and Shodhganga to identify the research gap in this study. Results/ Findings: The challenges that modern adolescent females in India encounter are the paper's principal finding. These girls' attempts to preserve their cultural heritage and find their own sense of identity are also included. Perkin vividly depicts a young girl's internal struggle to uphold cultural expectations while still pursuing her own sense of identity as a woman. Originality/Value: This study is unique and groundbreaking because it uses Mitali Perkins' novels to examine the subject of Indian adolescent girls overcoming obstacles and dismantling barriers to achieve their unique cultural and personal identities. Type of Paper: Literature review.

Mapping the Expertise and Understanding of Menarche, Menstrual Hygiene, and Menstrual Health among Adolescent Ladies in Low- and Center-Profit Nations

Mapping the Expertise and Understanding of Menarche, Menstrual Hygiene, and Menstrual Health among Adolescent Ladies in Low- and Center-Profit Nations

Appearance Satisfaction Among Adolescent Girls in Australia, China, India, and Iran: The Role of Perceived Actual-Ideal Discrepancies in Facial and Bodily Attributes

The current study examined the associations between perceived actual-ideal discrepancies in facial and bodily attributes and adolescent girls’ appearance satisfaction and whether these relationships were moderated by the importance associated with the attributes and/or the country of the participants. A multilingual survey was completed by 900 girls aged 12–18 years old living in Australia, China, India, and Iran. Girls in India and Iran were most satisfied with their appearance followed by girls in China and Australia. Iranian girls had the highest perceived actual-ideal discrepancies in facial and bodily attributes. Chinese and Indian girls perceived their facial attributes to be more important to their overall sense of appearance than their bodily attributes, whereas Australian and Iranian girls valued them equally. Higher perceived actual-ideal facial discrepancies were related to lower appearance satisfaction only for Iranian girls and higher perceived bodily discrepancies were linked to lower appearance satisfaction only for Australian girls. The importance associated with physical attributes and/or the country of participants did not moderate the relationship between perceived discrepancies and appearance satisfaction for facial or bodily attributes. Findings underscore the critical role of cultural nuances in understanding body image among adolescent girls and determinants of appearance satisfaction.