Abstract :
Introduction: Adolescence is a transitional phase between childhood and adulthood, characterized
by a number of cognitive, physical, emotional and attitudinal changes. Their development through
the stages of puberty in early adolescence is associated with change in body mass, leading to change
in body image, and higher levels of drive for fitness and looking good. Studies suggest that
adolescents who are dissatisfied with their bodies are more likely to perceive their health as fair or
poor and more likely to show low self-esteem.
Objective: To assess the Self Body Image and Perceived Health in adolescents of 13- 17 years
attending Urban Health Centre, East Delhi and to study the relationships between Body Image and
Perceived health in adolescents.
Method: A cross sectional study was conducted in the outpatient department of Urban health centre,
Kalyanpuri area located in East Delhi, from July to September 2013. A semi structured, pretested,
proforma was administrated to collect data. Sample size of the study was 203 (98 boys and 105
girls), taken by non-probability (convenient) sampling. Proforma included questions related to the
Perceived Health, Body Image, Body Satisfaction and anthropometric measurements of study
subjects. Data was compiled and analyzed by SPSS version 12.
Keyword :
Adolescents, Perceived Health, Body Image, Body Satisfaction, Resettlement colony.