Body image and weight control methods in women covered by health centers in the city of Ramyan, Golestan province, 2017

Abstract

Bakground: Body Image is a complex concept that involves biological, psychological, and social factors internal and external. This research aims to determine women's perceptions of their bodies and their relationship with weight control methods including a pattern of physical activity and diet based on different levels of BMI in women in Ramyan Method&Tools: In this study, 569 women aged 15-49 years covered by urban health center and the base of the city of Ramyan was entered into the study by simple random sampling. Data collection was done using a multiple questionnaire. Demographic information questionnaire including age, literacy, occupation, women's economic status and the second part included women's anthropometric information and the third part of the questionnaire, including women's body imaging and weight control techniques. Women's body image data were determined using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) visual instrument. Women's weight control methods were performed by using a questionnaire including measuring the intake of food items and women's physical activity. Also, food items were obtained using a valid semi-quantitative dietary questionnaire (FFQ). Finally, the pattern of physical activity of women was determined using a validated adult physical activity questionnaire for adults. The questionnaire was completed with an interview by a female health expert. Data analysis was performed using descriptive and analytical statistics including percentage, mean, standard deviation, Chi-square and t-test in SPSS 21 software at a significant level (p <0.05). Results: The results of the study showed that there was a significant correlation between BMI and age group of women (P-value <0.01). The prevalence of obesity in over 40 years was over 40%. There was a significant correlation between body image and age and occupation variables (P-value <0.05). Housewives were more likely to consider themselves obese than Employee women. Employee women (about 90%) preferred to have normal weight more than housewives (about 70%). There was a significant correlation between body mass index and body image and ideal body imagination (P-value <0.01). In each category, the majority of people with a normal body image had a normal BMI. Conclusion: Achieving optimal health requires the study of risk factors for obesity and weight control behaviors and healthy lifestyles as priorities for health promotion in each region. Sensitization on the body's imagination can cause many problems, such as nutritional disorder, loss of self-confidence, Therefore, different educational programs with new methods and strategies to control weight and increase physical activity in women can be provided to reduce the adverse effects of this phenomenon. Keywords: Body image, Physical Activity, Nutrition, Obesity, Wome