Body image perception and body dissatisfaction among rural Sri Lankan adolescents; do they have a better understanding about their weight?

Introduction: Adolescents have high vulnerability for body image distortions which may result in many psychological and physical problems.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine body image perception and dissatisfaction among rural schooling adolescents in Sri Lanka.

Methods: Adolescents (aged 13-16 years) were selected using probability-based sampling framework. Self-administered figure rating scale was used to assess perceived current (PCBS) and ideal (IBS) body size and body discrepancy score (BDS = PCBS – IBS). Pubertal stage was assessed with pubertal development scale. Anthropometry was done according to WHO guidelines.

Results: Of 3128 students studied, 47.8% were boys. Median PCBS was 4 (inter quartile range 1) for boys and 4 (2) for girls. Boys aspire a larger body size compared to girls and the respective median IBS were 5 (0) and 4 (1). More boys (70.4%, n = 1053) than girls (66.4%, n = 1084) were dissatisfied about their current body size; χ2 = 5.5, df = 1, p < 0.05. Overweight students recorded higher PCBS and were more dissatisfied with their body size when compared to others. Nearly half of boys and 29.6% girls wanted to have a larger body size than their current. The main influencing factor of body dissatisfaction was body mass index.

Conclusions: Body dissatisfaction is evident even among rural adolescents, affecting boys more than girls. Many students show a desire to have a larger body size than their current. This study also provides valid and reliable tools to assess body dissatisfaction and pubertal development in Sinhala speaking adolescents.