Dissatisfaction and discrepancy in body-image perceptions among adolescents aged 10–17 years from rural areas of southern Poland – a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction and Objective. Puberty causes changes in body composition and appearance which can lead to impaired self-evaluation and, subsequently, health-risk behaviours among adolescents. The aim of this study was to assess the congruence of self-perception, body dissatisfaction, and self-perception incongruence with the current body weight status of adolescents from rural areas of southern Poland. Materials and Method. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on a sample of 446 adolescents aged 10–17 years, primarily from rural areas of the provinces of southern Poland. Body mass index (BMI) was used to assess the nutritional status of adolescents. The research tool was a questionnaire that included a body silhouette test, a body image dissatisfaction index (BID), and the FAI (Feel weight status minus Actual weight status Inconsistency) index to observe inappropriate perceptions of body weight status. Results. A total of 245 (54.9%) girls and 201 (45.1%) boys with a mean age of 13.6 ± 2.1 years were evaluated. Overall, 66.7% of the boys and 61.6% of the girls had normal body weight based on BMI interpretation, but only 33.5% of the girls and 39.3% of the boys perceived their body weight as normal. Almost 60% of the surveyed boys and girls were dissatisfied (BID) with their own appearance. An incorrect perception of body weight status (FAI) was presented by 49.4% of the girls and 41.8% of the boys. For more than 70% of girls, the ideal figure was one indicated as being underweight in the silhouette test. Dissatisfaction with one’s own appearance was significantly associated with adherence to a diet and alcohol consumption. Conclusions. Inappropriate perceptions and negative self-image among adolescents may be associated with hazardous health behaviours, representing a serious public health problem.