OBJECTIVE:
to investigate the level of dissatisfaction with body image and associated factors among high school adolescents in rural areas of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, 2012.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional study was conducted in schools in the state's 5th Education Region. Students answered a questionnaire about demographic, socioeconomic and behavioral variables. The outcome, body image dissatisfaction, was measured by the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ-34).
RESULTS:
510 adolescents were evaluated. Body image dissatisfaction prevalence was 16.9% and the associated factors were: female gender (p<0.001; 95%CI 1.8-5.2), overweight (PR= 3.4; 95%CI 2.3-5.0), obesity (PR= 3.2; 95%CI 1.7-5.7) and sufficient physical activity in leisure time (PR= 1.5; 95%CI 1.1-2.2).
CONCLUSION:
the level of dissatisfaction with body image was higher among girls, adolescents who were overweight/obese and those who were physically active
Body Image; Adolescents; Rural Population; Adolescent Health; Cross-sectional Studies
