Body image perception and self-esteem among undergraduate medical students in Nanded, Maharashtra

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Body image is the perception and attitude one holds toward one’s own body, especially, but not exclusively, one’s physical appearance. The promotion of positive body image improves people’s quality of life and behaviors related to health. Social factors, sociocultural influences, media pressure, and the pursuit of an ideal body, associated with accomplishments and happiness are among the causes of changes in the perception of body image, leading to dissatisfaction. There is very less literature on these topics among males and also medical students. Objectives: To assess body image perception and the influence of sociocultural factors on it and self-esteem among undergraduate students of a medical college. Methods : A cross-sectional study was carried out among 192 undergraduate medical students of a medical college from June 2021 to September 2021 using a predesigned pretested self-administered questionnaire in English. Results: Out of 200 students included in the study the mean age of study subjects was 19.78 ± 1.39 years, of which,107(56%) were males and 85(44%) were females. The 192 students were classified as Underweight (27(14%)), Normal weight (78(41%)), Overweight (43(22%)) and Obese I (44(23%)) according to Asian WHO BMI classification. BISS scores (which measure body image satisfaction) were the median of the six items after reverse-scoring the three positive-to-negative items which were found to be 5.5(4-7) and 53% of students showed body image dissatisfaction. 33% (63 students) of students have thin/low body fat internalization and about 77(40%) have muscular/athletic internalization.54(28%) students mostly agree about family pressure to attain the ideal appearance, 53(28%) feel pressure from peers and 75(39%) mostly agree with influence of media to attain ideal appearance. Out of the 192 students,124(64%) showed normal self-esteem, 63(33%) with low self-esteem, and 5(3%) with high self-esteem as per Rosenberg’s self-esteem score. A statistically significant association was found between BMI and body image perception and also between Body image perception with sociocultural attitudes toward the appearance and self-esteem of students. Conclusion: Body image dissatisfaction affects young students. In this study, about 53% of the students showed body image dissatisfaction. This perception of self has mainly been influenced by media (39%), family pressure (28%), and peer pressure (28%). Also, 33% of the students have low esteem with a significant association between Body image perception and self-esteem.