WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

Zahraa Yousif Salman* and Lamyaa Ali Hasan

ABSTRACT

Background: The perception of the appearance can affect self-esteem. Body image and self-esteem are important part of mental health and especially for college students, it may affect the academic performance. Objectives: To assess the level of Body image and self-esteem, find the association between them and determine their relationship with some Sociodemographic variables. Subject and Methods: A cross-sectional study of final-year students, selected randomly from 4 different faculties of Al-Mustansirya University the total number of 771 students. Data were collected in 4 months’ period via a structured questionnaire in which, The Body-Image measured by a Likert-scale-based self-assessment, Self-Esteem by Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the Socio-economic status was evaluated by Socio-economic index for health research in Iraq. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests and correlation studies. Results: Most students reported partial satisfaction with their Body Image (67.2%) and normal Self-Esteem (79.6%). A weak positive significant correlation was observed between Body Image and Self-Esteem. Faculty played a significant role, with medical students showing higher Body Image dissatisfaction and lower Self-Esteem while Gender and Socio-economic status showed no significant association. About (33.2%) of students were interested in cosmetic interventions, particularly females and medical students, this was linked to Body Image dissatisfaction but not directly to Self-Esteem. Conclusion: The findings highlight the complex interaction between Body Image and Self-Esteem among university students, with the academic environment exerting a significant influence, the results underscore the need for targeted interventions to promote positive self-perception and mental well-being, especially in high-pressure academic settings.