Figure rating scales used in sub-Saharan africa for body image assessment: a scoping review.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Body image is integral to culture and influences health behaviour. In sub-Saharan African countries, body image preference is in flux. To facilitate research on attitudes about body size in Africans, our goal was to provide a central resource of the figure rating scales which have previously been used in African countries.

Design

A scoping review was conducted.

Data sources

Five databases were accessed: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Global Health Database and African Index Medicus.

Eligibility criteria

(1) Study conducted in a sub-Saharan African country; (2) used a figure rating scale to assess body image; (3) enrolled adults; (4) published in English between 1983 and 12 April 2024.

Data extraction and synthesis

842 articles were flagged, a

SUBMITTER: Hurston JS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12718577 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature