Body Image Perceptions and Prevalence of Eating Disorders Among Adolescents in Private Schools in Surulere LGA, Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

Body image perceptions describe a person’s thoughts, feelings, and actions toward their body. They can be positive or negative and play a pivotal role in an individual’s overall health and productivity. In adolescents, body image is of utmost importance, as having a negative one can put them at risk for mental illnesses. This study investigated the body image perceptions and prevalence of eating disorders among adolescents in secondary schools in Surulere Local Government Area of Lagos State. This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study carried out among 330 in-school adolescents aged between 10-19 years. A multistage sampling method was used, and the questionnaire was semi-structured and self-administered. It was developed from the Stunkard Figure Rating Scale and the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26). Data were analyzed with Epi-Info version 7.1. The level of significance was set at p<0.05. The prevalence of body image dissatisfaction was 57.0%, with a higher percentage among females (52.8%). The prevalence of eating disorders was 17.0%, and 59.6% occurred among females. There was a statistically significant association between the prevalence of eating disorders and family loss or trauma (p=0.041), feelings of stress (p=0.010), and being informed by people to lose weight (p=0.043). This study revealed a high rate of body dissatisfaction and eating disorders. There is a need for positive body image promotion and the creation of awareness of eating disorders among adolescents in secondary schools. These would be useful in reducing the prevalence of body dissatisfaction and eating disorders.