Factors Associated With Body Image Satisfaction Among Palestinian University Female Students, Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background Eating disorders and body dysmorphic disorder are linked to poor body image. People with these diseases commonly lack the ability to objectively assess body shape, size, or attractiveness. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between body image, eating disorders, lifestyle, social pressure, and social media engagements in female university students in Palestine. Method: A sample of 905 female undergraduate students from Palestinian universities was included in the study. Arabic validated Body Appreciation Scale (BAS-2) was used to measure body satisfaction. Early screening of eating disorders was conducted using the Arabic validated A-SCOFF tool. One-way ANOVA, independent t-test, Chi-square, Spearman rho correlation test, and simple linear regression tests were used to evaluate the relationships between study variables. Results The sample had a high level of body image satisfaction, with a mean score of 4.22 ± 0.74. It was found that eating disorders (p < .001), higher BMI (p < .001), following models or celebrities on social media (p < .01), following models or celebrities nutritional advice (p < .05), family and friends pressure (p < .001), dieting (p < .001), and daily phone hours (p < .01) were associated with lower body satisfaction. While physical activity (p < .05) was associated with higher body satisfaction. Conclusion Body image among female university students is influenced by lifestyle, social pressure, and social media. To promote awareness about the impact of these variables on body dissatisfaction, which can lead to eating disorders, educational and supporting programs must be undertaken.

Assessment of eating disorder among undergraduate in Al Qadisiyah University Student

“…The body image of university students is affected by lifestyle, social media and social pressure. to strengthen awareness about the impact of these variables on physical dissatisfaction, which can lead to eating disorders, educational and supportive programs should be undertaken (6). In previous years, little was known about how the college transition affected those with eating disorders and how participants could best support this process.…”