PURPOSE This descriptive study was designed to investigate Body Mass Index(BMI), weight control behavior, and self-esteem in high school adolescents. METHOD The convenience sample consisted of 129 high school females and 106 high school males. Data were collected using a self-report questionnaire from November to December, 1999. BMI was calculated by using the subject's self-reported body weight and height to identify objective obesity. Self evaluation about subjective obesity was measured by a single item question. Preferred BMI was calculated by using the subject's self-reported body weight and height which the subjects desired. The Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale was utilized to measure the level of self-esteem. RESULTS Results of the study revealed that high school females perceived themselves as more more obese than their the actual BMI, excessively participated in dieting behavior and exercises, and reported lower self-esteem than that of males. CONCLUSION Based on this study, health care providers need to educate female adolescents about healthy behavior as well as the normal weight range in BMI.
PURPOSE The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of anxiety, depression and self-esteem on the amount of smoking and nicotine dependency among woman smokers. METHOD The convenience sample consisted of 121 unmarried woman smokers. The STAI, the CES-D Scale, the Self-Esteem scale and the FTQ were utilized to measure the level of anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and nicotine dependency. The amount of smoking was calculated based on the number of cigarette used. RESULTS Results indicated that woman smokers were depressed. Nicotine dependency was relatively low. Subjects had smoked a mean of 9.58 cigarettes per day. The level of depression influenced on smoking and nicotine dependency. Self-esteem influenced on the amount of smoking and anxiety influenced on nicotine dependency. CONCLUSION The results of this study revealed that the amount of smoking of unmarried woman smokers was very high. Both the amount of smoking and nicotine dependency were affected by levels of depression. Education programs and campaigns are needed to prevent smoking of young adult women.