PREVALENCE OF BODY IMAGE DISSATISFACTION AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG HIGH SCHOOL ADOLESCENT IN HAWASSA CITY, ETHIOPIA, 2023

Abstract

Background: Adolescence is a period wherein multiple intense bio-psychosocial maturation, physical appearance, and psychological changes happen rapidly and individuals at this stage are more concerned with their body image than any other age group. However, little is known about the prevalence of body image dissatisfaction and the factors associated with body image dissatisfaction. Objective: To assess prevalence of body image dissatisfaction and identify associated factors among high school adolescents in Hawassa City, 2023. Methods: A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 421 participants from April 20 to May 20, 2023, in Hawassa City. A stratified sampling technique was employed to select the study participants. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Anthropometric measurements of weight and height were taken to the nearest 0.1 kg and 0.5cm using SECA digital balance and height measuring tape in a standing position. The data was entered into Epi-data version 3.1 and exported and analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS), version 24. A logistic regression model was fitted and used to identify the associated factors of body image dissatisfaction and statistical significance was declared at P<0.05. Result: The overall prevalence of body image dissatisfaction was 18.5% with [95% CI (14.8 22.2%)]. In this study being overweight/obese [AOR=7.8, 95% CI;(2.58-23.83)], engaging in a small amount of exercise [AOR=3.66, 95% CI; (1.34-10.0)], having moderate depression [AOR=3.6,95% CI:(1.25-10.40)], having severe depression [AOR=6.8, 95% CI; (1.94 24.22)], being at late age of adolescent [AOR=1.9, 95% CI; (1.07-3.39)], and having family pressure [AOR=2.2, 95% CI; (1.28-4.04)] were significantly associated with body image dissatisfaction. Conclusion: According to this study, there is a high prevalence of body image dissatisfaction among high school adolescents. Therefore, encouraging physical activity and providing constructive family feedback would be appropriate strategies to address body image dissatisfaction.