Girls' Experiences Regarding Obesity: A Qualitative Study in Iraq

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Public Health
• Cultural Studies

Background:

• Obesity in girls can lead to physical, psychological, and social issues.
• Cultural lifestyle and dietary habits influence perceptions of obesity.
• Understanding girls' experiences with obesity is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the lived experiences of teenage girls regarding obesity in Iraq.
• To explore perceptions and attitudes towards body weight among adolescent females.
• To identify cultural influences on body image and obesity experiences.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative conventional content analysis conducted in Baghdad and Babylon, Iraq (2023).
• Probability purposive sampling from three high schools, with 25 girls participating.
• Data analyzed using Saldana's coding method, focusing on perceptions of body weight.

Main Results:

• Three key themes emerged: perceptions of body weight, community views on body features, and attitudes toward body weight.
• Significant variations were found in how Iraqi teenage girls perceive their body weight.
• Individual satisfaction with body weight differed among participants.

Conclusions:

• Iraqi teenage girls exhibit diverse perceptions and satisfaction levels regarding their body weight.
• Enhancing awareness about obesity among adolescent girls can positively influence their perceptions.
• Further research is recommended to explore the links between Iraqi girls' experiences and obesity-related factors.