Involvement in sex work is associated with muscle dysmorphia symptomatology among a sample of Canadian adolescents and young adults

Abstract

Background The aim of this study was to investigate the association between lifetime sex work involvement and muscle dysmorphia symptomatology. Methods 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. Results 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. Conclusions 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.