A Descriptive Study to Assess the Knowledge and Attitude Regarding Eating Disorder Among Adolescent in Selected School at Jaipur

Abstract

Introduction: Adolescence represents a phase of transition between childhood and adult life, marked by significant changes in the biological, psychological and social dimensions. This period is extremely important for the adolescents to choose a healthy lifestyle, as it is when habits and attitudes are established, including eating habits.The three most common eating disorders are Anorexia nervosa, Bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorders. Eating disorder should be taken very seriously.

Methodology: The study was descriptive in nature sample size was 100 adolescents selected by simple random sampling techniques from a selected school of Jaipur. The data collection was done by structured knowledge questionnaire on eating disorder and EAT 26 attitude scale. Collected data was analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The result revealed that the that overall mean knowledge score with standard deviation was 14.37±4.321 and the highest frequency of adolescents (57.00%) had inadequate knowledge on eating disorders and in attitude the mean attitude score with SD was 18.90±5928 and the most of 70 (70.00%) adolescents had unfavorable attitude towards eating disorders. The positive correlation (r= +0.1084) was found between the knowledge of adolescents and attitude of adolescents towards eating disorders.

Discussion: The findings of the present study revealed that adolescents had a low level of knowledge and a less favorable attitude regarding eating disorders. This indicates the need for greater awareness and health education among adolescents to improve their understanding, promote healthy eating behaviors, and facilitate early recognition of eating disorders. The findings also emphasize the importance of developing appropriate intervention strategies at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels to prevent and control eating disorders and promote the overall health and safety of adolescents.