Self-esteem, body image, and associated factors among female and male university students: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND:An empirical approach to self-esteem and its associated factors is crucial during youth, when ranking and physical appearance significantly impact self-esteem. Enhancing self-esteem helps students appreciate individual characteristics and maintain a positive body image despite unhealthy exposures. This study aimed to fill the gap on self-esteem in Moroccan university students, considering sex-specific differences and associated factors.MATERIALS AND METHODS:A cross-sectional study was conducted among 654 students from various Moroccan universities. An online questionnaire was used including questions about sociodemographic factors, such as age and sex, body image figure scale to measure body image perception and satisfaction, and the Rosenberg scale of self-esteem.RESULTS:Females were observed to be more satisfied with their body shape and weight compared to males. Males were significantly more dissatisfied with their weight due to their desire to be heavier, while females generally wanted to lose weight. Additionally, we found a significant correlation between marital status, socioeconomic status, and place of residency during studies in relation to self-esteem. Single students with low socioeconomic status and those living in university housing had lower self-esteem than their counterparts. Overall, male students desired to gain weight, whereas female students wanted to lose weight.CONCLUSION:Females were more satisfied with their bodies than males, who wanted to be heavier, while females wanted to lose weight. Lower self-esteem was linked to being single, having low socioeconomic status, and living in university housing. Innovative strategies are required to ensure better appreciation of the actual body size and promote healthy self-esteem.