Magnitude and determinants of body dysmorphic disorder among female students in Saudi public secondary schools

Abstract

ObjectivesRecent estimates have indicated that the weighted community prevalence of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is rising. This study aimed to identify the prevalence and determinants of BDD among female adolescents in Jeddah, KSA.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among female students in governmental secondary schools. Students presenting with abnormal health conditions were excluded. A multi-stage stratified sampling technique was used to select the target number of students (N = 495). BDD screening was performed using a BDD questionnaire.ResultsThe students’ mean (standard deviation) age was 16.78 (1.11) years, and the prevalence of BDD was 12.3% (95% confidence interval: 9.6–15.5%). The body parts associated with the most concern were the skin (18.4%), hair (10.7%), teeth (9.9%), and nose (9.5%). Psychosocial assessment showed that the body part of concern was associated with sadness in 20.6%, avoidance reactions in 17.6%, and problems in school, work, or other activities in 3.8% while playing a role in social relationships in 21.5%. The aspects associated with the highest risk included the skin (odds ratio (OR) = 8.33, p < 0.001), followed by body fat (OR = 8.17, p < 0.001) and the nose (OR = 7.35, p < 0.001). With the number of affected body parts, the prevalence of BDD increased from 21.7% (one body part) to 60%.ConclusionsIn this study, BDD was a common, difficult-to-recognise disorder with a prevalence of one in eight female Saudi adolescents. It was associated with marked changes in social interactions, self-esteem, and quality of life.

The prevalence and determinants of body dysmorphic disorder among young social media users: A cross-sectional study

“… 5 In Saudi Arabia, the association between BDD and socio-demographic characteristics was not the focus of the few community studies done, which examined only females with a very narrow age range. 14 , 15 Nevertheless, similar to the current findings, BDD in dermatology patients in Saudi Arabia was associated with younger age but not female gender. 16 Adolescents and young adults are usually more worried and self-conscious about their appearance and are subjected to a higher degree of peer pressure.…”

“…The same was generally reported by studies done internationally, 21 and among students in Saudi Arabia. 14 , 15 For example, 75% and 44% of female medical students in Riyadh had concerns about the appearance of their skin and hair compared with 64% and 42% in the current study. 15 This may explain the much higher prevalence of BDD among dermatology patients in Saudi Arabia (14.1%-18.6%).…”

“…For example, BDD was reported among 4.4% of female medical students in Riyadh and 12.3% of female secondary school students in Jeddah. 14,15 The reported high prevalence of BDD in female secondary school students in Jeddah may be due to the non-exclusion of those with eating disorders who accounted for 8.7% of the total number of students. 14 As expected, skin and hair were the areas of highest concern in the current study.…”

“…Previous studies done internationally showed that the prevalence of BDD in the general population is around 2%-3%, 5 while the studies done in Saudi Arabia showed that the prevalence of BDD in students is around 4%-12%. 14 , 15 It was estimated that a total of 811 patients would be required to detect a prevalence of BDD of 5% with a confidence limit of 1.5%, using a 95% confidence level and 80% power. The participants were recruited by medical students who sent text messages to friends, families, and relatives, inviting them to join the study and sending an electronic link to fill the questionnaire.…”

“…10 Social media could have a negative impact on body image satisfaction. [11][12][13] The prevalence of BDD in Saudi Arabia has been examined only in female students, 14,15 and dermatology patients. 16,17 There is a lack of data estimating the prevalence of BDD in the general population.…”