The prevalence and determinants of body dysmorphic disorder among young social media users: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Social media that is heavily used in Saudi Arabia has been linked to a negative impact on body image satisfaction. The objective of the current study was to examine the burden, determinants, and impacts of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) among a community sample of social media users in Saudi Arabia. The Internet-based cross-sectional study was conducted among social media users during January and February 2020. BDD was assessed using a validated BDD Questionnaire. A total of 1010 participants were included in the current analysis. A total of 42 (4.2%) met the criteria of BDD, with higher prevalence in younger participants. The defects of high concerns were skin disfigurements (64.2%) and hair issues (42.3%). BDD was significantly associated with spending a longer time on Snapchat and Instagram and less interest in religious topics. BDD group was more likely to compare their appearance with famous people in social media. BDD group reported more harassment and more history of psychiatric problems. There is a need to educate the public about the risk of BDD and to promote safe social networking.

Body dysmorphic disorder and depression among male undergraduate students in a Malaysian University

“…The proportions of students at risk of having BDD was almost similar to previous studies which reported 0.6–12.3% of their male cohort having BDD ( 4 – 11 ). Once again, the application of different assessment tools to determine BDD in different studies could have resulted in the large range of prevalence observed.…”

“…Once again, the application of different assessment tools to determine BDD in different studies could have resulted in the large range of prevalence observed. Most of the respondents in our study were dissatisfied with their whole body and face whereas respondent from other studies were more concern with their hair, face, weight and skin ( 4 , 7 – 9 , 25 ). Separately, there is a significant association between staying alone and BDD, as individuals with BDD often have poor psychosocial functioning and avoids social interaction ( 26 ).…”

“…BDD in adults usually leads to high rates of social and occupational dysfunction whereas BDD in youth is associated with a poorer academic performance, social withdrawal and higher school dropping out rates (2). Despite the increasing prevalence of BDD among young people worldwide (4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11) and the serious implications toward their quality of life and social functioning, there is still a lack of data on BDD in the general population of Malaysia, especially among young male adults.…”

“…Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), one of an obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorder, is often described as having distressing or impairing obsessions with perceived physical imperfections that are usually unobservable or appear only slight to others ( 1 – 3 ). Individuals with BDD often have a negative perception on their own body image that leads to significant negative emotions thus affecting their daily functioning ( 4 ). BDD in adults usually leads to high rates of social and occupational dysfunction whereas BDD in youth is associated with a poorer academic performance, social withdrawal and higher school dropping out rates ( 2 ).…”

The Prevalence and Characteristics of Body Dysmorphic Disorder Among Adults in Makkah City, Saudi Arabia. A Cross-Sectional Study

“…A systematic review conducted in 2016 showed that the estimated prevalence of BDD in the general population is around 1.9-2.2% [5]. Locally in Saudi Arabia, the reported prevalence of BDD among the general population is around 4.2-8.8%, and among female students is 4.4-12.3% [6][7][8][9]. Since there is no available up-to-date data concerning the BDD prevalence in Makkah City, Saudi Arabia, to address this, the current study explores the prevalence of body dysmorphic disorder among the general population in Makkah City, Saudi Arabia.…”