The Association between Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and Acceptance of Cosmetic Surgery Scale (ACSS): A nationwide study from 25 medical schools

Raghad A. Aljohar, Asem M. Shadid, Raghad A. Almansour, Rahaf I. Alshareef, Abeer R. Alkahtani, Manar A. AlJohar, Faris Aldaghri

Abstract

Background: Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a psychological condition that is characterized by obsessive thinking about a perceived flaw in one's appearance that may eventually cause significant distress and impairment in life.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2021 and August 2021 using a previously validated and published questionnaires — The Body Image Disturbance Questionnaire (BIDQ) and Acceptance of Cosmetic Surgery Scale (ACSS).  Distributed to all medical students from 25 universities across all regions of Saudi Arabia.

Results: A total of 1,776 respondents completed the questionnaire. Females represented 57.1% of the study population.More than half of the respondents were concerned and preoccupied with their body appearance (59.4% and 52.8%, respectively). The average of the BIDQ and ACSS scores was significantly higher in females compared to males, while higher socioeconomic status and higher educational level were also significantly related with higher BIDQ and ACSS scores. Furthermore, a higher BIDQ score was associated with higher scores on the ACSS.

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