2323 – Sexuality Of Tunisian Women And Body Image: Impact Of Culture

Abstract

Introduction

Research on body image suggests a link between women's perceived body image and sexuality.

Aim

The aim of our study was to determine the relationship between body image and sexual satisfaction among Tunisian women and the impact of culture on sexuality.

Subjects and methods

One hundred women completed a self-administered questionnaire which included:

1. - Clinical data: weight, height …

2. - Women's perception of their body.

3. - The perception of sexuality by women and their spouses.

4. - the impact of body image on sexuality.

Results

The mean age was 36 years and 7 months. They were married for 12 years on average. The rate of menopausal women was 21%.

Two per cent of women were underweight, 38% were overweight, 6% were obese and 54% of them had a normal body mass index (BMI).

Women who were satisfied with their looks had significantly a higher self-esteem (p = 0.013).

Eighty six per cent of women are recognized as good sexual partners and 85% were satisfied with their sexual activity: Eighty seven per cent of these women considered their body a source of sexual pleasure. These women thought they had an erotic body (p = 0.009) and a source of self-confidence (p = 0.002).

Conclusion

This study indicates that there is a difference between western and eastern culture in the impact of body image on sexuality. So, it is imperative for female adolescents to have adequate and appropriate sexual education.