Date of Award

12-2023

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MS in Epidemiology & Biostatistics

First Advisor

Dr. Muhammad Masood Kadir

Second Advisor

Mr. Iqbal Azam

Department

Community Health Sciences

Abstract

Background: Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a condition characterized by an unhealthy fixation on perceived physical flaws. Globally, BDD poses a significant health concern, with university students being particularly vulnerable. Across South Asian countries, including Pakistan, BDD prevalence is notable due to cultural influences. While social media addiction— excessive use of platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok—negatively impacts mental health and body image globally, its specific impact on BDD in Pakistan remains insufficiently understood. This research aims to elucidate how social media habits contribute to BDD within Pakistan, providing valuable insights for healthcare, policy, and education interventions.
Objectives: The study investigated the association between BDD and social media addiction among Pakistani university students aged 18 to 26 and determined other factors influencing the development of BDD.
Methodology: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 319 undergraduate university students from two universities in Karachi. The study questionnaire was self administered and was distributed to the students using convenience-based sampling. BDD was determined using the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Questionnaire (BDDQ) and social media addiction was determined using the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS). Cox Proportional Algorithm was used for the analysis, and Prevalence Ratios along with their 95% Confidence Intervals were reported.
Results: The study included participants with a mean age of 22.3 years. Most were male (63.6%) and single (92.79%), and the distribution between medical and non-medical students was almost even. The primary social media platform used was Facebook (74.9%), followed by Instagram (53.2%), Twitter (31.6%), TikTok (44.8%), YouTube (23.1%), and other platforms P a g e 6 | 86 (18.4%). On average, participants spent 2.7 hours daily on social networking sites. Most had been using social media for less than 6 years (68.1%). Social media addiction was not significantly linked to BDD. However, gender was significantly related to BDD, with females having a 2.9 times higher prevalence. The time spent on social networking sites per day and the duration of usage were also significantly associated with BDD (p value < 0.05). The prevalence of BDD was 1.9 times higher for every additional hour spent of social networking sites and 3.9 times higher for those participants using social networking sites for more than 6 years.
Conclusion: Social media addiction did not show a significant association with BDD in this sample; however, the study's findings on hours spent on social networking sites, gender, and duration of social media usage provide crucial insights. These results underscore the importance of tailored interventions, gender-sensitive support, digital literacy promotion, and ongoing research. This study contributes to the expanding knowledge on social media's impact on mental health, paving the way for improved interventions and support systems for university students in Pakistan and beyond.

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