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Endocrine Abstracts (2021) 73 EP56 | DOI: 10.1530/endoabs.73.EP56

1Hedi Chaker University Hospital, University of Sfax, Tunisia, Community Health and Epidemiology Department, Tunisia; 2Hedi Chaker University Hospital, University of Sfax, Tunisia, Endocrinology Department, Tunisia


Introduction

Self-esteem is widely viewed as a person’s overall evaluation about self-worth or personal value and is considered an essential indicator for positive mental health and psychological well-being. This study sought to explore the level of self-esteem and identify the factors associated with low self-esteem in this population.

Methods

It was a cross-sectional study conducted in Sfax, Southern Tunisia from June to July 2020. We included all obese adults aged 19 to 64 years consulting at the basic health centre of Sfax and having a BMI greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2. We excluded pregnant and nursing women and patients with severe decompensated organic disease and psychiatric disorder. We used the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS.24.

Results

A total of 150 obese patients were included in the study. There were 115 women giving a male to female ratio of 0.3. The mean age was 50 ± 12.5. There were 82 cases (54.7%) in stage I, 31 cases (20.7%) in stage II and 37 cases (24.7%) in stage III of obesity. Overall, 84 patients (56%) were from urban areas. History of associated illness was noted in 90 cases (60%). There were 12 current smokers (8%) and 62 patients (41.3%) were exercising physical activity. Overall, 69 patients (46%) had obesity for more than 10 years. The mean score of self-esteem was 26.9 ± 2.9. Of all patients, 139 cases (92.7%) had a low or very low self-esteem score. Prevalence of depression, anxiety, extreme self misperception, severe social phobia and bulimia were 26%, 75.3%, 29.3%, 38.7% and 10%, respectively. There was no significant association between low self-esteem and depression, anxiety, self misperception or social phobia. Besides, exercising physical activity was statistically associated with good self esteem (OR = 0.1; P = 0.01).

Conclusion

Obese patients demonstrated lower levels of self-esteem. Health-focused conversations between practitioners and obese patients about weight status and self-esteem, and appropriate follow up counseling can help improve self-esteem and mental health among obese patients.

Volume 73

European Congress of Endocrinology 2021

Online
22 May 2021 - 26 May 2021

European Society of Endocrinology 

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