Browsing by Subject "Body image"

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    Open Access
    Female sexuality and body image during pregnancy
    (1989) Botha, Ilza; Kellerman, A M
    This explorative study, partially based on the psychological and developmental perspectives, evaluated female sexuality and body image during pregnancy and the postnatal period. A cross-sectional and longitudinal research design was used. Several female (n = 208) and male ( n = 84) subsamples were evaluated. Assessment included a Biographical Questionnaire, Female and Male Sexuality Scales rated on 3- and 5- point scales, and the Rorschach Inkblot Test, scored for Barrier and Penetration responses. Parametric and non-parametric statistical techniques were employed in the cross-sectional data analysis. The biographical background of the subjects was homogeneous. Predominantly all of the women were educated, had planned their pregnancies, attended prenatal classes and were informed about the process of pregnancy. Chi-square tests on the single items measuring female sexuality, from prior to conception to during pregnancy, and after childbirth, showed a significant decline in females' sexual satisfaction and in the intensity with which they experienced orgasms. Excluding the retrospective data, a significant decline was found on female sexual desire and enjoyment during pregnancy and during the postnatal period. Physiologically related reasons were commonly associated with declined sexual desire. Few pregnant or postnatal women abstained from sexual intercourse or introduced coital methods and positions unfamiliar to them. A factor analysis of the single sexuality variables revealed four factors, Sexual Responsivity, Sexual Orgasmic Ability, Multiple Orgasmic Ability and Sexual Motivation. The data subjected to a multivariate analysis of variance yielded a significant linear downward trend of Female Sexual Responsivity over the gestation period and after childbirth. The conclusion is drawn that female sexuality I specifically referring to the psychological dimension (Factor 1) was not related to a specific trimester (or stage). No significant differences were evident on the physiological dimension of female sexuality referring to Orgasmic Ability or Sexual Motivation. Female body image was assessed both qualitatively and quantitatively. The descriptive analysis showed that pregnant women felt overweight, and unacceptable by social standards, yet they viewed these bodily states as temporary. The projective account of body image yielded no significant differences. The conclusion was drawn that women consciously rejected their pregnant body image, but subconsciously it formed part of their identity. Expectant fathers only experienced a significant decline in sexual satisfaction and initiated less sexual activity during their wives' pregnancy. It was concluded that male sexuality was minimally affected by their partner's pregnancy. Finally, pregnancy was found to be a natural and positive event.
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    “It’s only fatness, it doesn’t kill”: a qualitative study on perceptions of weight gain from use of dolutegravir-based regimens in women living with HIV in Uganda
    (2022-06-21) Alhassan, Yussif; Twimukye, Adelline; Malaba, Thokozile; Myer, Landon; Waitt, Catriona; Lamorde, Mohammed; Colbers, Angela; Reynolds, Helen; Khoo, Saye; Taegtmeyer, Miriam
    Background Dolutegravir (DTG)-based regimens have been recommended by the WHO as the preferred first-line and second-line HIV treatment in all populations. Evidence suggests an association with weight gain, particularly among black women. Our study investigated perceptions of weight gain from DTG-based regimen use on body image and adherence of antiretroviral therapy in women living with HIV (WLHIV) in Uganda. Methods Between April and June 2021, we conducted semi-structured interviews involving 25 WLHIV (adolescents, women of reproductive potential and post-menopausal women) and 19 healthcare professionals (clinicians, nurses, ART managers and counsellors) purposively selected from HIV clinics in Kampala. The interviews explored perceptions of body weight and image; experiences and management of weight related side effects associated with DTG; and knowledge and communication of DTG-related risks. Data was analysed thematically in NVivo 12 software. Results Our findings indicate WLHIV in Uganda commonly disliked thin body size and aspired to gain moderate to high level body weight to improve their body image, social standing and hide their sero-positive status. Both WLHIV and healthcare professionals widely associated weight gain with DTG use, although it was rarely perceived as an adverse event and was unlikely to be reported or to alter medication adherence. Clinical management and pharmacovigilance of DTG-related weight gain were hampered by the limited knowledge of WLHIV of the health risks of being over-weight and obesity; lack of diagnostic equipment and resources; and limited clinical guidance for managing weight gain and associated cardiovascular and metabolic comorbidities. Conclusions The study highlights the significance of large body-size in promoting psychosocial wellbeing in WLHIV in Uganda. Although weight gain is recognized as a side effect of DTG, it may be welcomed by some WLHIV. Healthcare professionals should actively talk about and monitor for weight gain and occurrence of associated comorbidities to facilitate timely interventions. Improved supply of diagnostic equipment and support with sufficient guidance for managing weight gain for healthcare professionals in Uganda are recommended.
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    Perceptions of body size, obesity threat and the willingness to lose weight among black South African adults: a qualitative study
    (2016) Okop, Kufre Joseph; Mukumbang, Ferdinand C; Mathole, Thubelihle; Levitt, Naomi; Puoane, Thandi
    Abstract Background The obesity epidemic is associated with rising rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among adults, particularly in countries undergoing rapid urbanisation and nutrition transition. This study explored the perceptions of body size, obesity risk awareness, and the willingness to lose weight among adults in a resource-limited urban community to inform appropriate community-based interventions for the prevention of obesity. Method This is a descriptive qualitative study. Semi-structured focus group discussions were conducted with purposively selected black men and women aged 35–70 years living in an urban South African township. Weight and height measurements were taken, and the participants were classified into optimal weight, overweight and obese groups based on their body mass index (Kg/m 2 ). Participants were asked to discuss on perceived obesity threat and risk of cardiovascular disease. Information on body image perceptions and the willingness to lose excess body weight were also discussed. Discussions were conducted in the local language (isiXhosa), transcribed and translated into English. Data was analysed using the thematic analysis approach. Results Participants generally believed that obesity could lead to health conditions such as heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and hypertension. However, severity of obesity was perceived differently in the groups. Men in all groups and women in the obese and optimal weight groups perceived obesity to be a serious threat to their health, whereas the overweight women did not. Obese participants who had experienced chronic disease conditions indicated strong perceptions of risk of obesity and cardiovascular disease. Obese participants, particularly men, expressed willingness to lose weight, compared to the men and women who were overweight. The belief that overweight is ‘normal’ and not a disease, subjective norms, and inaccessibility to physical activity facilities, negatively influenced participants’ readiness to lose weight. Conclusion Low perception of threat of obesity to health particularly among overweight women in this community indicates a considerable challenge to obesity control. Community health education and promotion programmes that increase awareness about the risk associated with overweight, and improve the motivation for physical activity and maintenance of optimal body weight are needed.
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    Perceptions relating to body size, weight loss and weight-loss interventions in black South African women: a qualitative study
    (2016) Draper, Catherine E; Davidowitz, Kesiah J; Goedecke, Julia H
    Abstract Objective A higher tolerance for a larger body size has been associated with obesity in black South African (SA) women. The aim of the present study was to explore perceptions regarding body size and weight loss in a sample of black women from a low-income community in Cape Town, SA. Design Qualitative pilot study including five focus groups. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Setting Khayelitsha, Cape Town, SA. Subjects Twenty-one black SA women. Results The majority of participants had positive perceptions of overweight/obesity, which were influenced by community and cultural perceptions, but some inconsistencies were observed as overweight/obesity was also associated with ill health. Participants identified many benefits to weight loss, but due to the association with sickness, they were concerned about being stigmatised in their community. Although participants had knowledge about healthy eating, the main barrier to eating healthily included the perceived higher cost of healthier food and food insecurity. All participants saw exercise as a strategy to lose weight and improve health, and were interested in participating in a community-based exercise intervention, but negative community perceptions and conflicting views regarding who should lead the intervention were identified as barriers. Conclusions These findings highlight the complexities surrounding participants’ perceptions regarding body size, weight loss and weight-loss interventions, and emphasise low socio-economic status as a barrier to change. The study also highlights the strong influence of cultural ideals and community perceptions on personal perceptions. These findings underscore the necessity for culturally appropriate weight-loss interventions in low-income, transitioning communities.