Experiences with body shaming in first-year students at Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine and associated factors

Abstract

   Background: Body shaming is gradually becoming a matter of concern as ridicule regardless of age or gender is gradually becoming more common in the community. This cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the prevalence and related factors of mocking about appearance for freshmen at Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine in 2021.
   Method: 328 students from 9 majors at Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine were recruited in 2021 – 2022. Statistical  analysis  included Chi-square tests  and  logistic  regression  models  to  identify  factors  associated with body shaming and The body shaming variable was measured through self-report regarding whether or not the participant experienced body shaming over the past year.
   Results: The prevalence of body shaming was found to be 33.2%, among these, weight-related teasing was the most common type, accounting for 67%. Related factors include BMI and weight of women, type of family, low self-esteem and feeling about high school.
   Conclusion: The study determined the prevalence of body shaming and its associated factors. This is the first study to investigate the prevalence of body shaming among university students and its associated factors in this population, and thus, it may serve as a useful reference for future research.

DOI: 10.59715/pntjmp.5.2.9