Body shape concerns among Jordanian university students: prevalence, correlates, and association with social media use

Abstract

Background: Body shape concerns (BSC) and body dissatisfaction represent emerging public health issues, yet evidence from Middle Eastern contexts, including Jordan, remains limited. These concerns adversely affect psychological health and are shaped by sociocultural pressures and digital media exposure. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 418 undergraduate university students in Northern Jordan. Participants completed the Body Shape Questionnaire-8D (BSQ-8D) to assess BSC. Demographic, behavioral, and media use variables were analyzed to identify correlations. Results: Among 418 respondents (96% aged 17–24; 53% female), 73% reported no BSC. Higher levels of BSC were significantly associated with increased body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.001). Compared to normal-weight peers, overweight students had higher odds of reporting mild [adjusted odds ratio (AOR: 3.7)]and moderate to marked (AOR: 2.56) BSC. Parental education and social media use were also significant factors. Students who did not use Snapchat (AOR = 2.05), did not use TikTok (AOR = 2.15), and cigarette smokers (AOR = 2.75) had higher odds of reporting elevated BSC levels. Conclusions: BSC among Jordanian university students is shaped by multiple psychosocial and behavioral factors, with BMI emerging as the strongest predictor. Findings underscore the need for culturally informed strategies addressing weight stigma, smoking, parental influences, and media engagement. Integrating BSC screening into routine healthcare may support early detection of at-risk groups.