Fatores associados à insatisfação corporal de crianças e adolescentes matriculados nos anos iniciais do ensino fundamental de uma escola pública de Juiz de Fora - MG

Abstract

The mental picture related to the size and shape of the body, besides the feelings and attitudes related to these characteristics, is designated by the term body image. Although single and indivisible, the body image integrates multiple dimensions, being vulnerable to internal and external dynamic processes and being in constant transformation. Body dissatisfaction is linked to low self-esteem and limitations of the psychosocial performance. It is also associated with depression, as well as being related to eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia and compulsive eating. The present study aimed to determine the factors associated to body dissatisfaction among students enrolled in the early grades of elementary school in a public school in the city of Juiz de Fora – MG, and identify the impressions on the body image and body dissatisfaction of those with adequate nutritional status. A cross design of quantitative and qualitative, descriptive, analytical and exploratory study was performed. The sample consisted of children between eight and twelve years, enrolled in the elementary school in a public school of Juiz de Fora - MG. The instrument used to assess body dissatisfaction was a body shape figures scale, and the remaining data was collected through questionnaires. The qualitative data was collected through the focus group method. The quantitative data was analyzed using the statistical package Statistical Software for Professional (STATA) version 12.0. The measure of association used was the prevalence ratio (PR), determined by the Poisson regression with robust variance estimator. It was considered a significance level of 5% for the definition of the final model. The analysis of the focus group was performed using the content of the discussions. It was observed a frequency of body dissatisfaction of 86.5% and significant association with body fat percentage, duration of physical activity, maternal education and maternal employment. The results obtained by the qualitative assay demonstrate the concern with the body appearance and the opinion of others about body image, besides the desire to perform some corporal change. The influence of family and media on body image was also observed. Childhood and adolescence are periods in which people acquire habits that may be taken for life, and they represent people prone to take inadequate attitudes. Thus, it is important to conduct research with these individuals, especially relating to body image, as body dissatisfaction brings negative thoughts and feelings, influencing emotional health, quality of life and social interaction.