Involvement in sex work is associated with muscle dysmorphia symptomatology among a sample of Canadian adolescents and young adults
Kyle T. Ganson
A * , Nelson Pang A , Alexander Testa B , Rachel F. Rodgers C D , Jori Jones A and Jason M. Nagata E
A
B
C
D
E
Sexual Health - https://doi.org/10.1071/SH23157
Submitted: 22 August 2023 Accepted: 17 October 2023 Published online: 9 November 2023
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the association between lifetime sex work involvement and muscle dysmorphia symptomatology.
Data from the Canadian Study of Adolescent Health Behaviours (N = 912) were analysed. Multiple adjusted linear regression models were estimated with lifetime sex work involvement as the independent variable and muscle dysmorphia symptomatology, measured using the Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory, as the dependent variable.
Among the sample, 3.7% of participants reported engaging in lifetime sex work. Significant associations were found between self-reported lifetime sex work and greater total muscle dysmorphia symptomatology (B = 5.03, 95% CI 1.80, 8.26), greater Drive for Size symptomatology (B = 2.36, 95% CI 0.74–3.97), and greater Functional Impairment symptomatology (B = 2.11, 95% CI 0.54, 3.67), while adjusting for relevant sociodemographic variables.
Findings from this study expand prior research that has documented poor mental health among individuals involved in sex work. Clinical and community health professionals should consider screening for muscle dysmorphia symptomatology among young people who have been involved in sex work.
Keywords: adolescents, Appearance Intolerance, Canada, Drive for Size, Functional Impairment, muscle dysmorphia, sex work, young adults.
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