Sex, sexual orientation, and body dissatisfaction: Results from the Canadian Community Health Survey 2017-2018

Oral Presentation C13.5

Authors

  • Mikyung Lee Queen's University
  • Eun-Young Lee Queen's University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.729

Keywords:

Body Image, LGBQ, Mental Health, Sexuality, Gender

Abstract

Background: Sex differences in body dissatisfaction is well-documented. However, sexual orientation is seldom considered despite its potential influence on body dissatisfaction. Purpose: To examine associations between sex, sexual orientation, and body dissatisfaction among young Canadians (15-29 years). Methods: Self-reported, cross-sectional data from Canadian Community Health Survey 2017-2018 were used. Exposures included sex (female/male) and sexual orientation (bisexual/heterosexual/homosexual), outcome included body dissatisfaction (dissatisfied/satisfied), and covariates included body mass index and socioeconomic factors. Logistic regressions were performed, and probability survey sampling weights were applied to all analyses. Results: Of 4,701 included respondents, 9.9% reported body dissatisfaction, with a stark sex difference (13.7% in females and 6.3% in males). The prevalence of body dissatisfaction among individuals who identify as heterosexual, bisexual and homosexual were 9.0%, 20.1% and 20.6%, respectively. After adjusting for covariates, the odds of being very dissatisfied/dissatisfied were greater in females compared to males (OR 2.81, 95%CI 2.08-3.79). Individuals with non-heterosexual orientation (bisexual: OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.24-4.45, homosexual: OR 4.02, 95%CI 2.12-7.62) were more likely to report body dissatisfaction compared to their heterosexual counterparts. Conclusions: Young Canadians who identify as females or members of sexual minority reported higher body dissatisfaction than their counterparts. Given that body dissatisfaction is negatively linked to poor mental health, future health promotion efforts should address body dissatisfaction in these population groups. Furthermore, investigating body dissatisfaction among those who are at the marginalizing intersection between sex and sexual minority (e.g., female who identify as bisexual) would help better identify the population group that are most vulnerable. Funding: The authors received no financial support for the research, authorship, and submission of this abstract. 

Published

2021-09-30

How to Cite

Lee, M., & Lee, E.-Y. (2021). Sex, sexual orientation, and body dissatisfaction: Results from the Canadian Community Health Survey 2017-2018: Oral Presentation C13.5. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.729

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