Abstract

EVANGELISTA, Leila A. et al. Body image perception in scholars of a school in the Brazilian north region. J. Hum. Growth Dev. [online]. 2016, vol.26, n.3, pp. 385-392. ISSN 0104-1282.  http://dx.doi.org/10.7322/jhgd.122917.

INTRODUCTION: In the adolescence period, an individual experiences biopsychosocial changes and dissatisfaction with body image is quite prevalent at this stage OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of body image dissatisfaction and its association with demographic and psychosocial factors, sexual maturity, nutritional condition and lifestyle METHODS: Cross-sectional study with a sample representing 831 eighth grade students from Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil, stratified into clusters. The data were obtained by questionnaires - the Body Shape Questionnaire and Global School-based Student Health Survey - and anthropometry. The associations of interest were tested in a multivariate analysis with Cox regression adjusted for cross-sectional studies RESULTS: The prevalence of body image dissatisfaction was 22 per cent. The outcome was significantly more prevalent among girls (PR: 4.69; CI: 95%: 3.09 - 7.12), young Caucasians (PR: 1.32; CI: 95%: 1.02 - 1.72), those who used tobacco (RP: 1.53; CI: 95%: 1.12 - 2.09), who were overweight or obese (PR: 2.77; CI: 95%: 2.18 - 3.51), and who reported feelings of sadness (PR: 1.35; CI: 95%: 1.05 - 1.73) and loneliness (PR: 1.66; CI: 95%: 1.30 - 2.11). The students with lower weight were more satisfied with their image CONCLUSION: The results point to the need for parents, educators and health professionals to act jointly in developing actions that reinforce the positive qualities of youth, especially in girls. Encouraging physical activity and healthy habits can promote overall health, improving satisfaction with body image

Keywords : adolescent; adolescent health; body image; body dissatisfaction.

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