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Table 1 Studies on body image perception, body size ideal and weight dissatisfaction in African immigrants and residents

From: Body image perception of African immigrants in Europe

Reference (year)

Country of origin/ethnic sample

Eventual host country

Gender: number of subjects

Age

(years)

BMI

Actual body image and self-perception

Ideal body image

Dissatisfaction and FID

Methods

NORTH AFRICA

Nicolau et al. (2008) [22]

Morocco

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Male: 56

18–30 Mean: 21.6 ± 3.4

BMI: 23.4 ± 2.8 Ow: 19.6 %

Ob: 3.6 %

4.1 ± 0.8

Self: 4.2 ± 0.5 Own sex: 4.4 ± 0.7, Opposite sex: 4.2 ± 1.1

Want to be thinner: 21.8 %

7 silhouettes developed by Colllins [49]

Female: 104

18–30 Mean: 23.4 ± 4.2

BMI: 23.1 ± 4.1 Ow: 24.8 %

Ob: 11.5 %

4.6 ± 1.0

Self: 3.9 ± 0.7 Own sex: 4.1 ± 0.6, Opposite sex: 4.2 ± 0.6

Want to be thinner: 57.6 %

7 silhouettes developed by Colllins [49]

Nicolau et al. (2009) [23]; Nicolau et al. (2012) [18]

Morocco

Amsterdam, The Netherlands/

Second generation immigrants

Female: 22

20–59 Mean: 34.5

  

Preferred silhouettes from 2 to 4. The most attractive is number 4.

A lot of women desire to lose weight

7 silhouettes developed by Colllins [49]

Nicolau et al. (2009) [23]

Morocco (Al Hoceima, Rif region)

 

Female: 31

16–48 Mean: 25.7

  

Preferences are between silhouettes 2 to 4. The most attractive is number 4

A lot of women desire to lose weight

7 silhouettes developed by Colllins [49]

Gualdi-Russo et al. In press [24]

North Africa (Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt)

Italy

Female: 105

Mean: 36.3 ± 7.8

BMI: 28.4 ± 4.8

5.9 ± 2.1

3.9 ± 1.6

FID: +1.99 ± 2.31

9 silhouettes developed by Thompson and Grey [50]

Gualdi-Russo et al. In press [24]

Morocco (Casablanca)

 

Female: 124

Mean: 39.5 ± 13.1

BMI: 26.4 ± 5.2

5.9 ± 2.0

4.4 ± 1.4

FID: +1.50 ± 1.83

9 silhouettes developed by Thompson and Grey [50]

Gualdi-Russo et al. In press [24]

Tunisia (Tunis)

 

Female: 104

Mean: 28.7 ± 11.5

BMI: 25.5 ± 5.5

5.2 ± 2.4

3.8 ± 1.6

FID: +1.40 ± 2.41

9 silhouettes developed by Thompson and Grey [50]

Lahmam et al. (2008) [30]

Morocco (High Atlas)/ Amazigh people

 

Male: 165

≥20

BMI: 22.9 ± 3.2 Uw: 6.7 %

Nw: 69.01 %

Ow: 21.8 %

Ob: 2.4 %

False perception: 48.5 %, uw: 46.7 %, ow: 1.8 %

Right perception: 51.5 %

 

Gain weight: 40.0 %

Sat: 59.4 %

Lose weight: 0.6 %

Self-administered questionnaire

Female: 271

≥20

BMI: 25.0 ± 4.2 Uw: 3.7 %

Nw: 50.2 %

Ow: 32.8 %

Ob: 13.3 %

False perception: 75.2 %, uw: 74.5 % ow: 0.8 %.

Right perception: 24.7 %

 

Gain weight: 53.1 %

Sat: 45.8 %

Lose weight: 1.1 %

Self-administered questionnaire

Rguibi et al. (2004) [27]; Rguibi et al. (2006) [28]

Morocco (Laayoun)/Sahraoui women

 

Female: 249

≥15

BMI: 26.1 ± 5.6 Uw: 2.7 %

Nw: 47.1 %

Ow: 28.3 %

Ob: 21.9 %

Ow-Ob: 50.2 %

 

Ideal body size: 4.88 ± 0.86 Healthy body size: 4.33 ± 0.82

Gain weight: 16.9 %

Sat: 79.9 %

Lose weight: 3.2 %

9 silhouettes developed by Leandris et al. [51] and self-administered questionnaire

Jafri et al. (2013) [29]

Morocco (Casablanca)

 

Female: 425

≥18

BMI: 29.9

Ow: 36.2 %

Ob: 47.4 %

Right perception: 47 %.

Ow-ob underestimate: 36.1 %

 

Gain weight:

16.7 %

Self-administered questionnaire

Ansari et al. (2013) [31]; Ansari et al. (2014) [32]

Egypt (Assiut)

 

Male: 1504

Mean: 19.3 ± 1.6

Uw: 7 %

Nw: 68 %

Ow: 19 %

Ob: 6 %

Self-perception:

Uw: 17 %

Nw: 60 %

Ow: 23 %

 

Sat: 64 % dis: 46 %; no BIC: 74.4 %, mild BIC: 17.3 %, moderate/marked BIC: 8.3 %

Body Shape Questionnaire by Cooper et al. [52]; BIC: Body Image Concern [52]

 

Female: 1663

Mean: 18.6 ± 1.2

Uw: 6 %

Nw: 62 %

Ow: 25 %

Ob: 7 %

Self-perception:

Uw: 11 %

Nw: 56 %

Ow: 14 %

 

Sat: 45 %, dis: 55 %; no BIC: 60 %, mild BIC: 24.2 % moderate/marked BIC: 15.8 %

Body Shape Questionnaire by Cooper et al. [52]; BIC: Body Image Concern [52]

Tlili et al. (2008) [17]

Tunisia (Tunis)

 

Female: 203

18–52

BMI: 26.1 ± 5.6; Uw: 2.7 %

Nw: 47.1 %

Ow: 28.3 %

Ob: 21.9 %

Ow-Ob: 50.2 %

  

Dis: 62.1 %

Lose weight: 47.3 %

Gain weight: 14.8 % Ow-ob want to lose weight: 77.9 %

6 photographic silhouettes developed by Bush et al. [44]

Jaeger et al. (2002) [33]

Tunisia (Tunis)

 

Male and Female: 52

19–23

Mean: 21.4 ± 1.1

BMI: 22 ± 3

3.6

2.8

FID: +0.8

10 silhouettes (self-administered questionnaire)

CENTRAL AFRICA

Benkeser et al. (2012) [39]

Ghana (Accra Metropolitan Area)

 

Female: 2814

Mean: 46.28 ± 18.21

BMI: 28.34 ± 6.69

5.05 ± 1.45

4.84 ± 1.45

 

8 silhouettes developed by Stunkard et al. [53]

Frederick (2008) [4]

Ghana (HO, rural)

 

Male: 22

Mean: 24.5 ± 8.0

  

Female ideal body: 4.4 ± 1.4

 

Contour Drawing Rating Scale (Modified Version; 9 women's silhouettes developed by Thompson and Grey [50])

Female: 26

Mean: 30.6 ± 12.23

 

5.1 ± 2.2

4.6 ± 1.4

FID: +0.5 ± 1.7

Contour Drawing Rating Scale (Modified Version; 9 women's silhouettes developed by Thompson and Grey [50])

Siervo et al. (2006) [40]

Gambia (Bakau-Kanifing Municipal Area)

 

Female: 50

Mean: 18.6 ± 3.4

BMI: 20.6 ± 4.1

4.4 ± 2.3

4.7 ± 1.4

FID: −0.38 ± 2.5

Body Image Assessment for Obesity (18 silhouettes developed by Williamson et al. [54]); 8 silhouettes developed by Stunkard [53]

Female: 50

Mean: 42.5 ± 5.2

BMI: 30.3 ± 5.2

7.8 ± 3.0

5.0 ± 2.6

FID: +2.8 ± 3.0

Body Image Assessment for Obesity (18 silhouettes developed by Williamson et al. [54]); 8 silhouettes developed by Stunkard [53]

Male: 50

Mean: 19.3 ± 2.6

BMI: 19.0 ± 2.2

3.7 ± 1.5

4.9 ± 1.6

FID: −1.2 ± 1.9

Body Image Assessment for Obesity (18 silhouettes developed by Williamson et al. [54]); 8 silhouettes developed by Stunkard [53]

Male: 50

Mean: 42.0 ± 5.3

BMI: 22.3 ± 3.9

5.4 ± 2.6

5.5 ± 2.1

FID: −0.08 ± 1.8

Body Image Assessment for Obesity (18 silhouettes developed by Williamson et al. [54]); 8 silhouettes developed by Stunkard [53]

Holdsworth et al. (2004) [41]

Senegal (Dakar)

 

Female: 301

20–50

BMI: 25.4 ± 5.6

2.90

2.40

 

6 photographic silhouettes developed by Bush et al. [44]

Okoro et al. (2014) [42]

Nigeria (Yoruba)

 

Male: 220

Mean: 42.6 ± 17.2

BMI: 21.7 ± 3.7

4.30 ± 0.99

4.72 ± 1.06

 

9 silhouettes developed by Becker et al. [55]

Female: 304

Mean: 44.9 ± 16.7

BMI: 24.6 ± 5.5

4.33 ± 1.17

4.41 ± 1.22

 

9 silhouettes developed by Becker et al. [55]

Jaeger et al. (2002) [33]

Gabon (Libreville)

 

Male and Female: 100

19–23

Mean: 19.5 ± 1.3

BMI: 20.8 ± 2.8

4.4

4.2

FID: +0.2

10 silhouettes (self-administered questionnaire)

Jaeger et al. (2002) [33]

Ghana (Techiman)

 

Male and Female: 58

19–23

Mean: 19.3 ± 1.3

BMI: 22.4 ± 4.6

3.9

4.2

FID: −0.3

10 silhouettes (self-administered questionnaire)

Ettarh et al. (2013) [43]

Kenya (Korogocho and Viwandani slums of Nairobi)

 

Male: 2669

≥18

Mean: 42

Uw: 9.8 %

Nw: 72.9 %

Ow: 15.0 %

Ob: 2.3 %

Self-perception:

Uw: 13.2 %

Nw: 52.7 %

Ow: 20.8 %

Ob: 13.4 %

Ideal body size: Uw: 6.1 %,

Nw: 41.3 %

Ow: 32.0 %

Ob: 20.6 %

 

18 silhouettes developed by Williamson et al. (1989) [54]

Female: 2265

≥18

Mean: 42

Uw: 5.1 %

Nw: 51.5 %

Ow: 27.9 %

Ob: 15.5 %

Self-perception:

Uw: 14.2 %

Nw: 50.5 %

Ow: 22.2 %

Ob: 13.2 %

Ideal body size: Uw: 7.1 %

Nw: 53.4 %

Ow: 24.8 %

Ob: 14.8 %

 

18 silhouettes developed by Williamson et al. (1989) [54]

SOUTHERN AFRICA

Swami et al. (2012) [25]

Zimbabwe

UK (London)

Female: 138

18–49 Mean: 26.6 ± 6.7

BMI: 24.9 ± 4.62

5.89 ± 1.95

Self: 4.39 ± 1.35 Typical female: 4.31 ± 1.47

Most attractive: 3.66 ± 1.19

BAS: + 1.64 ± 0.95; FID: 1.50 ± 1.06

Photographic Figure Rating Scale (10 photographic silhouettes; Swami et al. [56];

BAS: Body Appreciation Scale [57];

BMI (self-reported)

Swami et al. (2012) [25]

Zimbabwe (Harare)

 

Female: 140

18–46 Mean: 25.3 ± 6.87

BMI: 24.81 ± 4.61

4.54 ± 1.91

Self: 4.99 ± 1.10 Typical female: 4.71 ± 1.16

Most attractive: 5.17 ± 1.07

BAS: 1.19 ± 0.93; FID: −0.45 ± 0.31

Photographic Figure Rating Scale (10 photographic silhouettes; Swami et al. [56];

BAS: Body Appreciation Scale [57];

BMI (self-reported)

Tovée et al. (2006) [26]

South Africa (Mshwati Mpolveni)/Zulus

UK

Male: 25; Female: 27

Mean: 26.6 ± 6.87

  

Female ideal BMI: 23.99

 

50 high-resolution photographic images (self-administered questionnaire)

Tovée et al. (2006) [26]

Britons of African descent

UK/Second generation immigrants

Male: 34; Female: 32

Mean: 24.4 ± 4.53

  

Female ideal BMI: 20.68

 

50 high-resolution photographic images (self-administered questionnaire)

Tovée et al. (2006) [26]

South Africa (Mshwati Mpolveni)/Zulus

 

Male: 19; Female: 16

Mean: 25.6 ± 4.47

  

Female ideal BMI: 26.52

 

50 high-resolution photographic images (self-administered questionnaire)

McHiza et al. (2011) [34]

South Africa (Cape Town, urban area)

 

Female: 44

Mean: 38.5 ± 9.0

BMI: 32.1 ± 7.1

5.5 ± 1.9

4.4 ± 1.2

FID: 1.1 ± +2.0

8 silhouettes developed by Stunkard et al. [53]

Swami et al. (2010) [2]

South Africa (Cape Town, urban area)

 

Male: 52;

Female: 48

Mean: 38.4 ± 11.1

BMI: 23.3 ± 3.8

Female Actual: 4.5

Female Ideal: 3.2

 

9 silhouettes developed by Thompson and Grey [50]; BMI (self-reported)

Swami et al. (2010) [2]

South Africa (KwaZulu-Natal, rural area)

 

Male: 45;

Female: 60

Mean: 38.4 ± 11.1

BMI: 40.1 ± 10.4

Female Actual: 6.0

Female Ideal: 5.6

 

9 silhouettes developed by Thompson and Grey [50]; BMI (self-reported)

Jaeger et al. (2002) [33]

South Africa (Cape Town)/black origin

 

Male and Female: 21

19–23

Mean: 19.3 ± 0.9

BMI: 23.9 ± 4.3

4.3

2.6

FID: +1.7

10 silhouettes (self-administered questionnaire)

Peltezer et al. (2012) [35]

South Africa

 

Male: 100

≥18

BMI: 21.1

  

BASS: 3.95 ± 0.70

The Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire [58]; BASS: Body-Areas Satisfaction Scale.

Female:189

≥18

BMI: 23

  

BASS: 3.91 ± 0.73

The Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire [58]; BASS: Body-Areas Satisfaction Scale.

Puoane et al. (2005) [36]

South Africa (Khayelitsha, Cape Town)/black origin

 

Female: 44

28–60

Mean: 43.2 ± 7.2

BMI: 40.0 ± 8.1

Uw: 0 %

Nw: 4.7 %

Ow: 4.7 %

Ob: 90.7 %

Self-perception:

Uw: 7 %

Nw: 48 %

Ow/Ob: 45 %

Preferred BMI: 27

 

8 silhouettes developed by Stunkard et al. [53]

Faber et al. (2005) [37]

South Africa (KwaZulu Natal, rural area)/black origin

 

Female: 187

25–55

Uw: 0 % Nw: 28.9 % Ow: 41.2 % Ob: 29.9 %

  

Sat: 37 % Dis: 11 % Lose weight: 8 % Ow-ob want to lose weight: 25 %%

Self-administered questionnaire

Senekal et al. (2001) [38]

South Africa (rural and urban area)/black origin

 

Female: 180

Mean: 20 ± 4.4

BMI: 22.6 ± 3.8

Uw: 25.7 %

Nw: 52.5 %

Ow: 16.8 %

Ob: 5.0 %

Self-perception:

Uw: 6.1 %

Nw: 67.0 %

Ow: 26.3 %

Ob: 0.6 %

  

Body Shape Questionnaire by Cooper et al. [52]