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Characterizing Body Image in Youth with HIV

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Abstract

Emerging research in adults with HIV suggests negative body image may be found at a higher rate in this group. To date, few studies have examined body image in adolescents living with HIV. This exploratory study aimed to characterize body image perceptions among youth living with HIV. Adolescents (n = 143; age range 16–24 years; 69 % male) completed an Audio Computer Assisted Self-Interview Questionnaire that assessed body image, psychosocial, medical and sociodemographic information. Medical history and physical functioning information were abstracted from medical records. Results showed normative global body image on the Multidimensional Body Self-Relations Questionnaire-Appearance Scales. Some subscale elevations were observed; including decreased interest in self-care and appearance, as well as concerns with individual body areas. Overall, youth reported preference for own body shape on the Figure Rating Scale; however, 41 % of youth classified as “overweight” per CDC body mass index reported contentment with current body size. Further, 47 % of youth classified as “normal” weight desired to have larger body size. Youth identified as men who have sex with men most often reported desiring larger body size. Implications for clinical care are discussed.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge the contribution of clinical research assistant, Melissa Shenep, and psychology graduate student, Courtney Peasant, during the data collection phase of this project. We would also like to thank Kirk Knapp for his assistance with data abstraction from patient records.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Mailstop 600, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA

    Megan L. Wilkins, Ronald H. Dallas & Aditya H. Gaur

  2. Department of Psychology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA

    Megan L. Wilkins, Jerlym S. Porter & Paige Magdovitz-Frankfurt

  3. Department of Biostatistics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA

    Li Tang & Yilun Sun

Authors
  1. Megan L. Wilkins
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  2. Ronald H. Dallas
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  3. Jerlym S. Porter
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  4. Li Tang
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  5. Yilun Sun
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  6. Paige Magdovitz-Frankfurt
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  7. Aditya H. Gaur
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Correspondence to Megan L. Wilkins.

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Wilkins, M.L., Dallas, R.H., Porter, J.S. et al. Characterizing Body Image in Youth with HIV. AIDS Behav 20, 1585–1590 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-015-1271-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-015-1271-z

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