Dissatisfaction with body size among low-income, postpartum black women.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the body size perceptions of low-income, postpartum Black women.

DESIGN

Prospective, exploratory survey using a culturally sensitive figure rating scale, to assess body size perceptions.

SETTING

Four inner city clinics in Washington, DC.

PARTICIPANTS

Low-income, postpartum Black women (N= 105).

METHOD

A validated, culturally sensitive figure rating scale was used to assess perception of current, typical, healthy, and preferred body sizes of participants. Derived scores were used to assess other body image measures.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Measures were mean scores of perceived sizes and derived scores representing body size satisfaction, adherence to typical size, and health ideal size.

RESULTS

Over 75% of subjects exhibited dissatisfaction with current body size. The perceived size for the typical (reference) woman was larger and not representative of the perceived healthy or preferred sizes of the sample. No difference between preferred and healthy sizes was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Two thirds of the participants were dissatisfied with their current body size and over half desired weight loss. The lack of difference between preferred and healthy body sizes suggests desire for a body size that meets both cultural standards of attractiveness and personal standards of health. Nursing opportunity for engaging in anticipatory interventions is highlighted.