Nutrition 2005; 21:000-000 (in press)
Abstract
development and validation of instruments measuring body image and body weight dissatisfaction in South African mothers and their daughters
Zandile Mciza 1, 2, Julia H. Goedecke 1, Nelia P. Steyn 3, Karen Charlton 3, Thandi Puoane 4, Shelly Meltzer 1, Naomi S. Levitt 1, Estelle V. Lambert 1
1 UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Dept of Human Biology,
2Nutrition and Dietetics Division, School of Health and Rehabilitation Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town,
3 MRC Chronic Diseases of Lifestyle Unit, Medical Research,
4University of the Western Cape, School of Public Health
Address for correspondence:
Professor Estelle V. Lambert, UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Dept of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, PO Box 115 Newlands 7725
Tel/fax: 27-21-6504571/6867530
Email: vlambert@sports.uct.ac.za
Objective: We sought to validate questionnaires concerning body image perception, body size dissatisfaction and weight-related beliefs in multi-ethnic South African mothers and their daughters.
Settings and subjects: P rimary schoolgirls (ages 9-12 yrs, n=333) and their mothers (n=204) were interviewed regarding their demographics and body image. Weight, height and skinfold thickness were measured. Body image questions and BMI were compared to silhouettes adapted from the Pathways study for girls, and Stunkard’s body image figures for mothers. A FID Index score was created by subtracting the score of the silhouette selected as the participants’ “Ideal” from the one selected as most closely represented their current appearance “Feel”. We hypothesised that a higher FID Index score would be associated with greater body size dissatisfaction.
Results: BMI-percentiles in girls (r = 0.46, P < 0.05) and BMI in mothers (r = 0.68, P < 0.05) were positively correlated to the selected silhouettes based on size . Participants who reported feelings of being “fat” and those who perceived that their family and friends were more dissatisfied with their body size had significantly higher FID Index scores. Scores were lower in black than white girls (all p<0.05). No differences were found in FID Index scores between ethnic groups of mothers. Internal reliability of the ”thin” and “fat” belief constructs for girls was demonstrated by standardized Cronbach’s alpha values ≥ 0.7.
Conclusion: Silhouettes, FID Index, “fat” and “thin” belief constructs (in girls) are age-appropriate, culturally sensitive and can be used in further intervention studies to understand body image.
Questionnaires
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